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Nothing catches you off guard quite like the sudden rumble of an earthquake. Without a moment’s notice, these naturally occurring events have the ability to create mass movements in the form of landslides, rock slides, rockfall, liquefaction, and submarine slides.
To make matters worse, in many parts of the world, we have watched as earthquakes were the catalyst to destructive tsunamis. Although we haven’t had one here in North America, those who live near the coast should still be aware of the risks.
Given the increase of hydraulic fracking in many parts of the country, more areas are becoming susceptible to earthquakes [2]. Those currently living in earthquake-prone areas are concerned with increased earthquake activity. Many believe that fracking is the reason for this sudden increase in earthquake activity. Oklahoma, once a predominantly quiet state for earthquake activity has now become the second highest state for earthquakes, beaten only by California; and many believe that fracking is the reason. (Source [3])
Many have grown concerned about the New Madrid fault line. This is a major zone for seismic activity and a prolific source of intraplate earthquakes in the southern and midwestern United States. Did you know the largest earthquakes ever felt in the United States were along the New Madrid Fault in Missouri, where a 3-month-long series of quakes from 1811 to 1812 included three quakes larger than a magnitude of 8 on the Richter Scale. These earthquakes were felt over the entire eastern United States (over 2 million square miles), with Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi experiencing the strongest ground shaking. In fact, the shaking of an estimated 8.8 earthquake was so intense that it caused the Mississippi river to flow backwards, causing a “fluvial tsunami” [4] that covered small islands, capsized boats, and created new lakes where none had previously existed.
Earthquake Warning Systems
Although earthquakes give little to no warning, scientists have developed a warning system to alert citizens. Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) uses existing seismic networks to detect earthquakes rapidly and send a warning ahead of destructive seismic waves. Many scientists are warning that we are long overdue for a megaquake in North America [5].
Before an Earthquake
If you live in an earthquake-prone area, there are many things you can do to prepare well before the slightest tremble ever happens. Having the prep work done ahead of time will help you adapt more fluidly to the situation and deal with the turmoil that earthquakes bring.
Preparing survival tools, emergency food and water, communication devices, first aid and pre-determined safety zones where family members can meet will help everyone to remain safe and calm.
Create an Emergency Plan
When an unexpected event happens, the immediate reaction from most is confusion. People have no idea what they should do because they are so stunned at the occurrence of the event. Having a disaster plan [6] already in place can help, because family members don’t have to try to figure out what to do – the steps to safety have already been decided.
Based on the map provided below, estimate what size earthquakes are likely to occur in your area.
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Once you’ve determined the likelihood of an earthquake in your area, as well estimating the potential severity, it is important to research local emergency management (American Red Cross, City Disaster Services, etc) systems to know what their disaster protocols are. This will help you learn what to expect during a disaster.
Have an emergency plan in place. This will help family members know exactly where to go and what to do. The emergency plan should have a meeting place designated in the event that family members are separated. Additionally, having a central contact outside of the disaster area that can relay messages can help a family reunite if they are separated.
Prepare children. Particularly if you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, discuss the possibility with your children. Kids often freeze up when something unexpected occurs, so spend time teaching them what they should do. The seismologists at the USGS recommend that you drop, cover, and hold on in the event of a quake. Get under something solid so that you lessen the possibility of being struck with a falling object. Teach kids to close their eyes and protect their faces, since debris and glass often fly around during a quake.
Look for any hazards in the home. Most earthquake-related injuries result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects. You can lessen the risk of injuries by securing your home ahead of time. Here are a few tips to get your home earthquake-ready.
- Place heavy or bulkier items on lower shelves.
- Cabinets and pantries where breakable items are stores should have latches on them. Additionally, any poisonous material, such as fertilizers or pesticides should be stored in a securely latched area as well.
- Secure shelves to walls.
- Brace overhead light fixtures.
- Secure the water heater by strapping it to wall studs.
- Avoid hanging pictures and heavy mirrors over beds or couches, and keep areas where people tend to congregate free from objects that may become airborne in a quake.
- Carefully secure any flammable liquids that you may be storing. Fires are very common in the aftermath of an earthquake.
Stock up on Disaster Supplies
After an earthquake, utilities such as water, natural gas, and electricity are frequently disrupted. The American Red Cross recommends at minimum a two-week supply [8] of necessities in preparation for a natural disaster.
Focus on shelf stable foods that require little or no fuel for preparation. Make a list of emergency supplies to stock up on.
Water and Food
Store at the very least 3 days worth of potable water [9] in plastic containers. You can also freeze water in plastic soda containers. FEMA recommends that a person should have 1-gallon of water per person, and don’t forget your furry and feathered friends.
Stockpile a 3 day supply [10] of non-perishable items such as canned goods, dehydrated foods, high energy foods such as granola bars, power bars, trail mix, and cereals. Try and find foods that do not require much water to prepare them. See this 72-hour menu plan [11] for more information. Ensure that certain foods are stored away for family members with special needs.
Medical Supplies
A well stocked medical supply can come in handy if someone has an injury. First aid kits can be assembled at home and include all of the basic first aid items that may be needed. A list of complete first aid items can be found here [12].
Disaster Tools
Your preparedness tools are your lifeline during emergencies. The tools you choose should be ones that you can depend on [13] to assist in meeting your basic survival needs. Without them, you could be ill-equipped in a survival situation. Ensure that disaster tools are stored in a centralized location that is easy to access in a time sensitive manner. Some suggested emergency tools are:
- Crescent and pipe wrench [14] to turn off gas and water supplies.
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Propane stove or off grid cooking source
- Fire extinguisher [15] (ABC variety)
- Battery operated radio [16]
- Can opener (Non-electric)
- Duct tape
- Multipurpose tool
- Waterproof matches
- Tube tent or emergency shelter
- Extra cash
- Trash bags
- Signal flare
- Pliers
- Map
- Survival manual [17]
- Whistle
During an Earthquake
Some places are safer than others during an earthquake. Remember that ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
These important safety tips can help you to quickly get to the best safety zone no matter where you are.
If you’re inside:
- DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
- Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place. - Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load bearing doorway.
- Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
- Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
- DO NOT use the elevators.
If you’re outside:
If you are outside when an earthquake occurs, try to remain out in the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines. Elevated expressways and bridges should also be avoided.
- Unless you are in immediate danger, stay where you are.
- However, move away from buildings, streetlights, utility wires, bridges, or overpasses.
- Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls.
If you’re in a moving vehicle:
- Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay inside the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
- Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
If you’re trapped under debris:
- Do not light a match.
- Do not move about or kick up dust.
- Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing to avoid inhaling dust
- Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
- Protect your head as well as possible in the event that aftershocks cause the debris to shift.
After an Earthquake
The danger isn’t over when the shaking stops. There are many hazards that still exist. You must quickly survey the safety of your environment.
- Look for electrical hazards like downed lines.
- Turn off the gas and water to your home.
- Do not use matches, lighters, camp stoves or barbecues, electrical equipment, appliances until you are sure there are no gas leaks. They may create a spark that could ignite.
- DO NOT turn on the gas again if you turned it off; let the gas company do it.
- Repair any defective electrical wiring or leaking gas connections before using those systems again.
- If there are damages done to the ceiling or foundation, get an expert opinion about any structural defects.
- Have well water tested before consuming it.
Emergency Evacuation
In some events, you’ll have to leave your home due to damage caused by the earthquake.
If you have to evacuate, having a 72 hour kit [18] or bug out bag ready to go will expedite the process of leaving. Your bag should contain all items necessary to survive for 3 days. When preparing a bag keep the main survival points is mind (water, food, shelter, clothing). Having a separate bug out bag for the vehicle [19] will also come in handy in the event that you are caught on the road during a sudden emergency.
Earthquakes can happen anywhere.
Even though there are parts of the country that less likely to be subject to this type of disaster, the suggested supplies for an earthquake are the same as the supplies for any type of disaster. Having a plan before a disaster can make a big difference in how quickly you will be able to handle these types of emergencies if they happen to come your way. No place is completely immune to the possibility of an earthquake. Learning about what to do in the event that one occurs could save your life.
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