Have you ever woken from a deep slumber thinking there’s an earthquake and it turns out it’s just your dog jumping on the bed to wake you up? Sometimes our darling Joey would do that but I can’t get myself to be angry with the little monster. You see, dogs are known to be so protective of their parents, aka owners, that they’d spring into action if they were in trouble. Even more interesting, dogs can apparently sense an earthquake.
Dogs supposedly become restless hours before an earthquake strikes. Though some scientists believe this to be unlikely, there have been a number of reports wherein dogs did predict the coming of an earthquake or avalanche. In such instances, the dogs would act erratically, often pacing and looking distraught, prior to an earthquake. There are also cases in which dogs supposedly warned people traveling the Alps of a coming avalanche.
Taking a cue from Joey and other dogs, us hoomans must be prepared in the event of an earthquake. Of course, it’s quite difficult to predict when and where an earthquake will occur next, which makes it even more important to start prepping. And if your furry pets become agitated and you see rats, snakes and other critters scrambling to get to another place, presumably a safer one, just assume that something bad is likely to happen and take the necessary actions to protect your loved ones.
With such vital piece of information, we all know what Joey would likely do before an earthquake. The question now is what the rest of us needs to do to survive these ground shakers.
Before An Earthquake
If you live in California, Alaska, Japan or someplace where earthquakes are quite common, you should definitely think about moving somewhere else. At least in that regard, you lessen the risks. However, as we mentioned, it’s difficult to predict when an earthquake will happen. The best you can do is to prepare for such disasters.
Evacuation Plan
Come up with an evacuation plan and explain it to everyone thoroughly. Make sure that everyone knows what to do when an earthquake hits. Each of you should also fully understand their roles. Who gets what when you have to bug out real fast? Who will be responsible for the pets? Who will drive?
You should have a rendezvous point in case you’re in different places when an earthquake occurs. Plan different routes you can take from your home towards your shelter, rendezvous point, or any safe area.
Earthquake Emergency Kit
Sustenance
Pack one gallon of water per person, per day. Say you, your spouse and two children will be spending three days at an evacuation center or in a relative’s house after the earthquake; you should have at minimum of 12 gallons in your emergency kit. There should also be at least 2 weeks’ worth of water in your home.
You should also keep at least 3 days’ worth of non-perishable food in your bug out bag and more at home that would last at least 2 weeks. Of course, prepping suggests keeping as much food with long shelf life as you can.
Light
Light source is also important. Make sure you have flashlights, headlamps, and portable lanterns with extra batteries. For warmth and comfort, pack extra clothes, poncho, thermal blanket, a tent and sleeping bags for everyone. Pack waterproof matches, lighters and other fire starters in a waterproof container. Learn how to build fire under different circumstances.
Communication
Staying up-to-date is important during emergency situations such as an earthquake. Listen intently for announcement from the government. Electricity may go down after an earthquake. You can use a hand crank or battery-operated radio to get the information you need. When it comes to communication, you should keep your smartphone charged at all times while also packing extra battery pack, a powerbank and charger in your bug out bag. A better option is to invest on old school communication tools such as a CB radio and a HAM radio.
Medical and Other Specific Needs
There’s always the risk of getting hurt during an earthquake. Hopefully, if you do get hurt, they’re just minor injuries that you can treat yourself. You’ll need a first aid kit for this. You also should get first aid training particularly in dealing with concussions, broken bones, and other physical trauma. Don’t forget medications if you or someone in the family has an existing condition. Bring baby formula, baby food, bottles and diapers if you have an infant. If there’s an elderly with you, pack whatever they may need such as a hearing aid and medications.
Entertainment
If you have young children, it’s important that you keep them entertained to lessen the negative effects of this stressful situation. Even the older children can benefit from having stuff to do. Bring their favorite blanket, stuffed toys, crayons, coloring books, board games, and playing cards.
Documents
Place all important documents including photos of the family and pets in a waterproof and fireproof container. You should also have a copy of vital medical information, including specific medicines, of each family member. Make sure each one has a card or something that contains updated emergency contact information.
Other Bug Out Bag Must-haves
Other survival gear that may come in handy during and after an earthquake include a multi-tool, hatchet, pocket knife, paracord, duct tape, emergency whistle, signal mirror, can opener, and N95 masks or respirators, among others. You should also pack maps and extra cash. Finally, pack firearms or any weapon you can use to defend yourself if things get violent.
During An Earthquake
Indoors
Remember these three important words or phrases: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. These are the three things you have to do to increase your chances of surviving an earthquake as it happens. Practice these with everyone in the family including your furry friends so it becomes second nature to you.
Avoid moving too much, especially if there’s a crowd of panicking people. There are cases wherein injuries are caused by moving, tripping or bumping each other or into things. Simply drop into a curl, cover your head, and hold on. Do not go for the doorway when the shaking starts. However, if you smell a gas leak, try to get out.
In Bed
It’s certainly a nightmare when you wake up to the ground shaking. Your best move is to stay in your bed, curl up, and cover your head with a pillow. However, if there is something that may fall on you like a light fixture or a nearby shelf, get off the bed and find a safer place.
In A Building
One of the worst places you can be when an earthquake starts is inside a tall building, especially if you’re in any of the top floors. Do not attempt to leave the building. Taking the elevators and staircases during an earthquake is a really bad idea.
All you can do is stay away from glass windows, cabinets, and furniture that could fall over such as mirrors and bookshelves. Don’t go in small or tight spaces. There’s a possibility you will get trapped in these areas. If you’re in a restroom or a narrow hallway with just one exit, get out as fast as you can if that’s still an option. Again, stay away from door frames. If possible, secure the door so it remains open during the ordeal. The shaking may bend the frame and prevent you from opening a shut door.
Outdoors
When you’re outside, when an earthquake strikes, your first instinct should be to get away from tall structures. If you are right under one, run away immediately and find an open area. Be wary of your surroundings as things will be falling from above while the road may also crack wide. Once in the open, stay there and wait until the earthquake ceases.
In Your Car
If you’re driving when the ground starts sharing, you must immediately survey the area and look for the safest place to stop. This should be in a clear area away from tall building, power lines, light posts, and trees. Don’t go under a bridge. If there’s no clear area in your vicinity, just slow down until it’s safe to pull over and stop. If you’re driving in the freeway, take the first exit and find a safe place you can pull over.
Turn off the engine, put the emergency brake on, turn the hazard lights on, make sure you’re wearing your seat belt, and don’t get out of your car. Wait it out. Once the shaking stops, stay in your car and check the radio. See if it’s safe before getting out of your car. If you smell fuel, however, get out as fast as you can but don’t forget to grab your bug out bag or emergency kit.
After the Earthquake
If you’re trapped under rubble, don’t shout for help. You can inhale dust and other dangerous particles. Grab something you can use to tap on a piece of the wall or an exposed pipe. Knock three times in a continuous manner. Just don’t tap too hard that whatever is keeping you from being squashed may give in. You can also blow on your emergency whistle, which should be in your possession at all times.
You must understand that the danger doesn’t stop when the shivering stops. Be wary of weakened structures, broken glasses, broken gas lines, and such. Once you’re in the clear, contact your loved ones to make sure they’re okay.
If you know of other ways you can stay safe during and after an earthquake or you know other tips on preparing for one, please feel free to share them in the comment section. We’ll be grateful for the added information. You can also check out The Gentleman Pirate for more tips and tricks on surviving earthquakes and other natural and man-made disasters.
Up Next: What Would Joey Do to Survive Food Poisoning
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