Earthquake

Earthquake

• Earthquake is a sudden and violent

shaking of the ground, sometimes
causing great destruction, as a result of
movements within the
earth's crust or volcanic action.
Other key terms associated with earthquakes include:

 Aftershock: An earthquake of similar or lesser intensity that

follows the main earthquake.

 Epicenter: 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.

 Fault: A fracture or zone of fractures along which there has

been displacement of the adjacent blocks of the earth’s crust
relative to one another.
Other key terms associated with earthquakes include:

 Liquefaction: The transformation of loose sediment or soil

into a fluid state as a result of increasing the pressure of
the fluid in between the grains due to strong ground
shaking.

 Magnitude: The amount of energy released during an

earthquake, which is computed from the amplitude of the
seismic waves.
Earthquake
• What Happens During an
Earthquake?
• The tectonic plates are always slowly
moving, but they get stuck at their edges
due to friction.
• Most people caught in earthquakes have a
feeling of helplessness.
• Especially if they have never experienced a
quake before, they have no idea how long it is
going to last or what will happen next.
No one can really predict a disaster so its
important to be prepared.
• 1. Discuss a meet – up with your family in
case you are separated when an
earthquake hits.
• 2. Familiarize yourself with the exit routs of
your home, school or workplace as the
identified evacuation areas.
• 3. Prepare your emergency bag containing
food, health and sanitation kits, essential
tools, as well as important documents.
No one can really predict a disaster so its
important to be prepared.
• 4. Check the stability of hanging objects
and secure furniture that may fall during
an earthquake.
• 5. Store flammable materials and harmful
chemicals properly.
• 6. Learn first aid.
What to expect during an earthquake?

• Anything that can move, fall, or break

when the ground starts to shake is an
earthquake hazard if it can cause physical
or emotional harm.

• Classrooms, homes, and all the other

places where children spend time indoors
contain objects that could cause injury or
damage during a quake.
• Schools and homes must have emergency kit.
• Essential items for the kit will include:
• • class roster with students’ names and addresses
• • first-aid checklist and supplies
• • bottled water and cups (use plastic containers to cut weight, avoid
breakage)
• • flashlight and spare batteries

• Other items might include:

• • pocket transistor radio and spare batteries
• • paper and pens
• • permanent marker
Teacher’s Task
• Earthquake maybe experience during school hours. What possible
procedures will be done at school.

• 1. The teachers must have a checklist.

• Teacher Checklists:
• Before:

• Hold classroom discussion

• Practice drills

• Hold hazard hunts, correct hazards where possible

Teacher’s Task
• Appoint two student monitors in case you are
injured.

• Prepare class lists and identification tags with

name, address, phone number, age and medic
alert information.

• Divide the class into teams and assign

responsibilities to each team.
What to Do?
• During Earthquake:

• Issue the "EARTHQUAKE" order at first sign of tremor

• Drop, Cover and Hold until the shaking stops

The teachers will:

• Talk calmly to reassure students

• Assess the situation to determine

whether or not to evacuate

• Respond as required

• Review evacuation procedures.

• If you are at home, drop, cover and hold.
Stay away from windows, and shelves
with heavy objects.

• If you are in a wheelchair, lock the wheels

and protect the back of your head and
neck.
• If you are in a shopping mall, go into the
nearest store. Stay away from windows,
and shelves with heavy objects. Do not
use elevator.

• If you are in bed, cover your head with

pillows.
If you are outdoors

• Stay outside.

• Go to an open area away from buildings. The most

dangerous place is near exterior walls.

• If you are in a crowded public place, take cover

where you won't be trampled.
If you are in a vehicle

• Pull over to a safe place where you are not

blocking the road. Keep roads clear for rescue
and emergency vehicles.
• Avoid bridges, overpasses, underpasses,
buildings or anything that could collapse.
• Stop the car and stay inside.
• Listen to your car radio for instructions from
emergency officials.
If you are in a vehicle

• Do not attempt to get out of your car if downed

power lines are across it. Wait to be rescued.
• Place a HELP sign in your window if you need
assistance.
• If you are on a bus, stay in your seat until the
bus stops. Take cover in a protected place. If
you can't take cover, sit in a crouched position
and protect your head from falling debris.
If Trapped Under Debris:

• Do not move about, kick up dust, or light matches/candles.

• 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.
AVOID the following in an earthquake
• Doorways. Doors may slam shut and cause
injuries.

• Windows, bookcases, tall furniture and light

fixtures. You could be hurt by shattered glass or
heavy objects.

• Elevators. If you are in an elevator during an

earthquake, hit the button for every floor and
get out as soon as you can.
AVOID the following in an earthquake

• Downed power lines – stay at least 10

metres away to avoid injury.

• Coastline. Earthquakes can trigger large

ocean waves called tsunamis. If you are near
a coastline in a high risk area during a strong
earthquake, immediately move inland or to
higher ground and remain there until
officials declare the area safe.
After an earthquake

• Stay calm. Help others if you are able.

• Be prepared for aftershocks.
• Listen to the radio or television for information
from authorities. Follow their instructions.
• Place corded telephone receivers back in their
cradles; only make calls if requiring emergency
services.
After an earthquake

• Put on sturdy shoes and protective clothing to

help prevent injury from debris, especially
broken glass.
• Check the school or your home for structural
damage and other hazards. If you suspect your
home or school is unsafe, do not re-enter.
• Unplug appliances and broken lights to prevent
fire starts when the power is restored.
• To Evacuate:

• Divide the class into teams and assign responsibilities to each

team.

• Instruct students to evacuate lead class to the

designated assembly area

• Be prepared to choose alternative escape route in case

of fire or exit blockage

• Take class list, I.D. tags, and first aid kit

• Administer first aid, if necessary

• Do not re-enter the building unless instructed by the

principal
• To Evacuate:
• .
 Do not re-enter the building unless instructed
by the principal

 Write I.D. information on foreheads of

primary and injured children, if tags not
available

 Reassure students

 Remind students that parents may be delayed

in calling for them

 Encourage students to talk about their fears

and anxieties.
• If you are at home

• Stay away from brick walls and chimneys as they

may be damaged or weakened and could
collapse during aftershocks
• If you have to leave your home, take your
emergency kit and other essential items with
you.
• Post a message in clear view, indicating where
you can be found.
• Do not waste food or water as supplies may be
interrupted.
• If you are at home

• Do not light matches or turn on light switches until you

are sure there are no gas leaks or flammable liquids
spilled.
• Use a flashlight to check utilities and do not shut them off
unless damaged. Leaking gas will smell like rotten eggs.
• If your home is equipped with natural gas: Call your gas
provider immediately to report any concerns or if you
smell gas (rotten egg smell). Shut off gas valve if you
know how.
• Once the gas is turned off, don't turn it back on. Only a
licensed gas technician can turn the gas on safely.
• An earthquake safety programme should be established and
maintained in every school, either individually or by district.
• Earthquake drills are an opportunity to practice how to be safer during
earthquakes: "Drop, Cover and Hold On.
• Earthquake drills also encourage you, your community, your school, or your
organization to update emergency plans and supplies, and to secure your
space in order to prevent damage