An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. For the first quarter of this year alone, we already have three major earthquakes recorded around the globe. The first one recorded was on January 12 in Haiti which lasted 35 seconds with a magnitude of 7.0. The second one was in Chile last February 27 with a powerful magnitude of 8.8 which caused a tsunami threat to nations around the pacific ocean. The most recent earthquake recorded is the one in Turkey last March 8 with a magnitude of 6.0. A catastrophe like this cannot be avoided since earthquake is a natural movement of the earth. It is a natural disaster that no one can get away from.

Since this is an unavoidable circumstances, being natural disaster in itself, people should have an awareness on what to do in case an earthquake happens in their area. Government offices, private establishments and specially schools where children are involved should conduct earthquake drills. Damages will always be present after an earthquake, but if we have some drills and have prepared for it at least we have contributed something to lessen the damage.

Here are some things that we can do if an earthquake occurs:

If indoors
• 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, loadbearing 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.
• DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors
• Stay there.
• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls.
If in a moving vehicle
• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in 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 trapped under debris
• Do not light a match.
• Do not move about or kick up dust.
• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• 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.
So there it goes, we may not be able to memorize these all but at least we can keep some in mind.

Be safe always!