How can people prepare for earthquakes?

Answer 1

In New Zealand, and in other places, this is an important question - sufficiently important that instructions are printed on the inner cover of all phone books.

An important premise is that outside help may not reach you for at least three days, and this is the minimum period for which you must be self sufficient. **

So, water (5 litres per day per person absolute minimum), canned and dry food and cooking apparatus, first aid and medical supplies, temporary shelter (tent and blankets), flashlight and spare batteries, battery operated radio with batteries, and the accessory tools such as shovel, heavy gloves (for handling rubble).

Some of these, (food, water, batteries) will need a regular cycling system. All of these emergency supplies need storage in a place that is safest. Some dry food for the pets may be useful.

** In a major city, three days is considered a minimum. In a remote area, you'll find that organized relief is so busy in the cities that you'll be on your own for a longer period. And the roads may be unusable. Communications may be seriously damaged.

AND inside your house, if you live in a seismic zone, tall objects such as free-standing bookcases and sideboards should be fastened to the walls. Always have slippers beside your bed so your feet are not cut by shattered glass.

Have an agreed assembly point for all of your family may not be at home at the time. Be on your guard.

Answer 2

Having often thought about this possibility, but having never been in it, I have thought that maybe the safest place is out in the very open!!

(Later Edit: The recent huge earthquakes killing 100's in Christchurch, NZ, bear this course of action out, in fact. Special services and police were having all people out into the middle of the street. When news crew moved in later, they were directed to travel the middle of the streets, well away from buildings and fallen debris.)

I have heard it said that one of the best places to be in earthquake is in a doorway.

Let's hope the frame around it is a strong one!

It has also been suggested to hide under a table to prevent injuries - maybe if the table is shifted near to the door frame, there is also a possible escape route! But quakes most often arrive without more than a second's warning.

I think the most important OVERALL preparation for most natural disasters is a few months' storage of food and water and emergencies, such as bandages, candles, lanterns, etc - especially in a high place, as floods will ruin much stored food, unless in cans. Even a change of basic clothing can be very applicable in prevention against possible disease from bacteria, etc. Hurricanes, floods, earthquakes can all be prepared against in this manner ... only fires can't be guarded against this way.

Answer 3

Get a plastic garbage can and put in it the following items

• bottled water
• first aide supplies
• lantern with batteries
• blankets
• radio
• small tent/shelter
• dried food
• change of clothing/coats

Also know where your water main is located and your gas turn off is located. With these things and this info you should be able to last a few days before help comes. Keep this in the garage.

Answer 4

The best way to prepare for an Earthquake is to secure all of your belongings. Be prepared for shaking and flying objects.

Answer 5

You should try to go to a place where there is a wide space without buildings. Try to get supplies e.g. food and water Also try to get a First Aid Kit

Answer 6

they evacuate the area and/or protect thereselves ina safe place ex. big sturdy and strait building.

Answer 7

They could stack up on water and food