<h1><strong>Earthquake</strong></h1><p>One of the most frightening and destructive phenomena
of nature is a severe earthquake and its terrible aftereffects.</p><p>Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently,
and without warning at any time of the day or night. If an earthquake
occurs in a populated area, it may cause many deaths and injuries and
extensive property damage.</p><p>Although there are no guarantees of safety
during an earthquake, identifying potential hazards ahead of time and
advance planning can save lives and significantly reduce injuries and
property damage.</p><h1><strong>Know Your Earthquake Terms</strong></h1><p>Familiarize yourself with these terms
to help identify an earthquake hazard:</p><p><strong>Aftershock</strong> <br />
An earthquake of similar or lesser intensity that follows the main earthquake.</p><p><strong>Earthquake</strong> <br />
A sudden slipping or movement of a portion of the earth’s crust, accompanied
and followed by a series of vibrations.</p><p><strong>Epicenter</strong> <br />
The place on the earth’s surface directly above the point on the fault
where the earthquake rupture began. Once fault slippage begins, it expands
along the fault during the earthquake and can extend hundreds of miles
before stopping.</p><p><strong>Fault</strong> <br />
The fracture across which displacement has occurred during an earthquake.
The slippage may range from less than an inch to more than 10 yards
in a severe earthquake.</p><p><strong>Magnitude</strong> <br />
The amount of energy released during an earthquake, which is computed
from the amplitude of the seismic waves. A magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter
Scale indicates an extremely strong earthquake. Each whole number on
the scale represents an increase of about 30 times more energy released
than the previous whole number represents. Therefore, an earthquake
measuring 6.0 is about 30 times more powerful than one measuring 5.0.</p><p><strong>Seismic Waves</strong> <br />
Vibrations that travel outward from the earthquake fault at speeds of
several miles per second. Although fault slippage directly under a structure
can cause considerable damage, the vibrations of seismic waves cause
most of the destruction during earthquakes.</p><h1><strong>What to Do Before an Earthquake</strong></h1><p>Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently
and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and
advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of
life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and
foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and
following seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of
earthquakes.</p><h2><strong><em>Six Ways to Plan Ahead</em></strong></h2><ol><li><strong>Check for Hazards in the
Home</strong> <ul><li>Fasten shelves securely to
walls. </li><li>Place large or heavy objects
on lower shelves. </li><li>Store breakable items such
as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches. </li><li>Hang heavy items such as pictures
and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit. </li><li>Brace overhead light fixtures. </li><li>Repair defective electrical
wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks. </li><li>Secure a water heater by strapping
it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor. </li><li>Repair any deep cracks in
ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural
defects. </li><li>Store weed killers, pesticides,
and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and
on bottom shelves.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Identify Safe Places Indoors
and Outdoors</strong> <ul><li>Under sturdy furniture such
as a heavy desk or table. </li><li>Against an inside wall. </li><li>Away from where glass could
shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases
or other heavy furniture could fall over. </li><li>In the open, away from buildings,
trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Educate Yourself and Family
Members</strong> <ul><li>Contact the Emergency Management
Agency for more information on earthquakes. </li><li>Teach children how and when
to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to
tune to for emergency information. </li><li>Teach all family members how
and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.</li></ul></li></ol>
<br /> <br /><ol><li><strong>Have Disaster Supplies
on Hand</strong> <ul><li>Flashlight and extra batteries. </li><li>Portable battery-operated
radio and extra batteries. </li><li>First aid kit and manual. </li><li>Emergency food and water. </li><li>Nonelectric can opener. </li><li>Essential medicines. </li><li>Cash and credit cards. </li><li>Sturdy shoes.</li></ul></li></ol><ul><ol><li><strong>Develop an Emergency Communication
Plan</strong> </li></ol></ul><ul><ul><li>In case family members are
separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility
during the day when adults are at work and children are at school),
develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster. </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>Ask an out-of-state relative
or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster,
it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family
knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.</li></ul></ul><h1><strong>What to Do During an Earthquake</strong></h1><p>Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake.
Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger
earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a
nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and
you are sure exiting is safe.</p><h2><strong><em>If indoors</em></strong></h2><ul><li><strong>DROP</strong> to the ground;
take <strong>COVER</strong> by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of
furniture; and <strong>HOLD ON</strong> 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. </li><li>Stay away from glass, windows,
outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting
fixtures or furniture. </li><li>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. </li><li>Use a doorway for shelter
only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly
supported, loadbearing doorway. </li><li>Stay inside until 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. </li><li>Be aware that the electricity
may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on. </li><li>DO NOT use the elevators. </li></ul><h2><strong><em>If outdoors</em></strong></h2><ul><li>Stay there. </li><li>Move away from buildings,
streetlights, and utility wires. </li><li>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.
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. </li></ul><h2><strong><em>If in a moving vehicle</em></strong></h2><ul><li>Stop as quickly as safety
permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings,
trees, overpasses, and utility wires. </li><li>Proceed cautiously once the
earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have
been damaged by the earthquake. </li></ul><h2><strong><em>If trapped under debris</em></strong></h2><ul><li>Do not light a match. </li><li>Do not move about or kick
up dust. </li><li>Cover your mouth with a handkerchief
or clothing. </li><li>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. </li></ul><p><strong>What to Do After an Earthquake</strong></p><p><strong>Expect aftershocks.</strong> These secondary
shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong
enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur
in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.</p><p><strong>Recovering from Disaster</strong></p><p>Recovering from a disaster is usually
a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical
well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes
the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general
advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting
your home, your community, and your life back to normal.</p><h1><strong><em>Ensure your safety</em></strong></h1><p>Your first concern after a disaster is
your family’s health and safety. You need to consider possible safety
issues and monitor family health and well-being.</p><h2><strong><em>Aiding the Injured</em></strong></h2><p>Check for injuries. Do not attempt to
move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of
death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, first
stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately.</p><ul><li>If the victim is not breathing,
carefully position the victim for artificial respiration, clear the
airway, and commence mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. </li><li>Maintain body temperature
with blankets. Be sure the victim does not become overheated. </li><li>Never try to feed liquids
to an unconscious person. </li></ul><h2><strong><em>Health</em></strong></h2><ul><li>Be aware of exhaustion. Don’t
try to do too much at once. Set priorities and pace yourself. Get enough
rest. </li><li>Drink plenty of clean water.
Eat well. Wear sturdy work boots and gloves. </li><li>Wash your hands thoroughly
with soap and clean water often when working in debris. </li></ul><h2><strong><em>Safety Issues</em></strong></h2><ul><li>Be aware of new safety issues
created by the disaster. Watch for damaged roads and bridges, , contaminated
water, gas leaks, broken glass and damaged electrical wiring.</li><li>Inform local authorities about
health and safety issues, including chemical spills, downed power lines,
and smoldering insulation.</li></ul><h1><strong>Returning Home</strong></h1><p><a name="0.3_01000001"></a>Returning home can be
both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution.</p><ul><li>Keep a battery-powered radio
with you so you can listen for emergency updates and news reports.</li><li>Use a battery-powered flash
light to inspect a damaged home. <br />
Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering - the
battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.</li><li>Watch out for animals, especially
poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.</li><li>Use the phone only to report
life-threatening emergencies.</li><li>Stay off the streets. If you
must go out, watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and
weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks. </li></ul><h2><a name="0.3_01000002"></a><strong><em>Before You Enter
Your Home</em></strong></h2><p>Walk carefully around the outside and
check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you
have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified
building inspector or structural engineer before entering.</p><p><strong>Do not enter if:</strong></p><ul><li>You smell gas. </li><li>Your home was damaged by fire
and the authorities have not declared it safe. </li></ul><h2><a name="0.3_01000003"></a><strong><em>Going Inside Your
Home</em></strong></h2><p>When you go inside your home, there are
certain things you should and should not do. Enter the home carefully
and check for damage. Be aware of loose boards and slippery floors.
The following items are other things to check inside your home:</p><ul><li><strong>Inspect utilities.</strong><ul><li><strong>Check for gas leaks.</strong>
If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and
quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve
if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn
off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.</li><li><strong>Look for electrical system
damage.</strong> If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell
hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit
breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit
breaker, call an electrician first for advice.</li><li><strong>Check for sewage and water
lines damage.</strong> If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using
the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact
the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain
safe water by melting ice cubes. </li></ul></li></ul>
<br /><ul><li><strong>Open cabinets cautiously.</strong>
Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.</li><li><strong>Clean up spilled medicines,
bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately.</strong> Leave
the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.</li></ul>
<br /><ul><li><strong>Inspect the entire length
of chimneys for damage.</strong> Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.</li></ul><h1><strong>Seeking Disaster Assistance</strong></h1><h1>Call your local Emergency Management
Agency. In Limestone County, that phone number is (256) 232-2631.
You will need to report your damage to the EMA. They can also
assist you in taking care of your immediate needs, such as shelter,
food, and clothing.</h1>
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Earthquake
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