10 earthquake survival tips you need to know

Experts say the Philippines is already ripe for a major earthquake. True or not, we should all start taking disaster preparation seriously. Because often, what stands between death and survival is an ounce of preparation and presence of mind. Here are 10 tips that’ll actually save your life and your family.

1 Train your family on earthquake safety

Learn what actions to do when an earthquake happens—fast action is key. Teach them to know the safe places in a room where they can immediately take shelter like under a strong desk or in stout doorways. Organize earthquake drills, especially with the children. Make sure that everyone in the family knows first aid.

After the earthquake, immediately check for injuries and damage. If a person is bleeding, use a clean cloth and apply direct pressure on the wound. Do not move seriously injured persons. Instead, call an ambulance.

2. Pack a bug-out bag.

Have a bug-out bag ready. If you can make one for each family member, why not? It should include a first aid kit, some medical supplies, bottled water, and canned goods. Also, have a battery-operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, disposable lighters, and blankets on standby. Keep them in accessible places and make sure everyone knows where they are and that they should get them when emergency strikes.

3. Be Aware of Danger Spots

If you have a mirror on the wall over your bed, now is the time to move it. Secure heavy furniture that could fall on you like bookcases. Keep heavy objects in bottom shelves. The weight will hold it down.

4. Don’t forget the golden rule: Drop, Cover, and Hold.

If you are indoors and the shaking begins, DROP under a sturdy desk or a doorway, press your face against your arm to COVER your eyes and head, and HOLD on to the desk that you are taking cover from. Stay away from windows, which can shatter and shower you with shards.

5. Stay on the bed.

If there isn’t anything that can fall on you, stay on the bed, hold on to something solid, and protect your head with a pillow. Studies show that people who were injured during earthquakes would have avoided injuries if they had only stayed in bed.

6. Go to open areas.

When you are outside, your only goal is to not have anything fall on you. So head to an open area where no objects can fall on you. Move away from buildings, trees, and power lines.

7. Stay inside the car.

The car can actually be a good shield. If you’re driving when the earthquake happens, quickly but carefully move away from traffic, get to an open area, and stop. Do not stop under light posts or trees. Stay inside your car until the ground stops shaking.

8. Plan an escape route.

In case there is power outage and everything goes pitch-black inside the house, plan an escape route that will direct your family to a safe place. Use glow in the dark stickers that will show family members the way to safety.

10. Plan for an alternative mode of communication.

When disaster strikes, communication and power lines will be out for a few days. Prepare for this and come up with alternative modes of communication for your family. Invest in a battery-operated or cranked radio and walkie-talkies.