Earthquakes

An earthquake is the abrupt trembling of the ground, brought about by the shifting and breaking of rock underneath the earth’s surface.  They can cause buildings and bridges to fail, power lines to fall and result in fires and explosions.  Preparedness techniques and requirements differ among states.

What to do before an earthquake

1.  Know these important terms:

• Earthquake – the abrupt movement of part of the earth’s crust, accompanied and followed by a series of vibrations.
• Aftershock – an earthquake of equal or less force that follows the main earthquake.
• Fault – a location where two portions of the earth’s crust have divided.  A fault is an area of weakness and where slippage will occur.  During an earthquake, the crust may move anywhere from a few inches to a few feet.
• Epicenter – this is the spot on the earth’s surface above the origin of the earthquake.
• Seismic Waves – the vibrations that move out from the center of the earthquake.  These waves can travel at speeds of several miles per second and can shake some buildings enough to make them fall down.
• Magnitude – signifies the amount of energy released by the earthquake.  This energy is measured and then displayed on a Richter Scale.

2.  Take care of issues in your house that could be problematic during an earthquake.  For example, repair faulty wiring or gas lines, install flexible pipe fittings, bolt down appliances, place heavy objects on lower shelves and attach free-standing shelves to the walls.

3.  Know how to turn off your utilities.

4.  Update and practice your household’s emergency plan.  Make sure to include the location of safe spots in each room (i.e. against an inside wall or under a strong table).

5.  Go through your insurance policies and review your coverage.

6.  Assemble or update your family emergency kit.

What to do during an earthquake

1.  Remain indoors until the quaking ends and you are confident that leaving the building is safe.  Most injuries during an earthquake happen when people are struck by falling objects.  Drop, Cover and Hold On!

2.  If you are inside, move under a strong piece of furniture (desk, table, etc) or against an inside wall and hold on.  Keep away from outside walls, glass, windows and objects that could fall.

3.  If nothing is available for you to take cover under, cover your head and neck with your arms and crouch in an inside corner.  Doorways are only safe for shelter if they are well supported and load-bearing.

4.  If you are outside, move away from any structures, power lines and streetlights.

5.  If you are in a multi-level building stay in the building and move away from windows or outside walls.  Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on.  Do not use the elevators.  Do not be surprised if the sprinklers come on or the electricity goes off.

6.  If you are in a busy, public indoor building, stay where you are and do not hurry towards the exits.  Get away from anything that could fall on you and take cover.  Grab something to protect your face and head from falling debris.  Do not use the elevators.  Do not be surprised if the sprinklers come on or the electricity goes off.

7.  If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as safely as you are able to and remain in the vehicle.  Do not stop under or near buildings, overpasses, trees or utility wires.  When you begin moving again, be aware of potential road and bridge damage.

8.  If you are trapped under rubble:

• Move as little as possible.
• Use a piece of cloth to cover your mouth.
• Refrain from lighting a match.
• Tap on a pipe or wall to help rescuers find you.  Use a whistle if you have one, but yell only as a last option.

9.  Remain indoors until the quaking ends and you are confident that leaving the building is safe.

What to do after an earthquake

1.  Be aware that there could be aftershocks occurring.  They are typically less forceful than the primary earthquake, but could still be destructive.

 2.  Check for injuries and follow proper first aid procedures.

 3.  If the power is cut off, use flashlights or other battery powered lanterns.  Anything with an open flame should be avoided because of the potential for gas leaks.

 4.  Wear durable shoes and gloves in and around debris.

 5.  Be cautious of structural damage; when in doubt, have your home inspected before re-entering.

 6.  Visually inspect your chimney for damage and make sure to have a professional check it before lighting a fire.

 7.  Clean up any spilled gasoline, bleaches, medicines or other hazardous liquids.

 8.  Examine utility lines and appliances for damage and turn off household utilities (gas, electric, water).  Keep out of any building if you think there is a gas leak.  Do not flush toilets until you are sure the sewage lines are undamaged.

 9.  Beware of objects that may have shifted during the earthquake and could fall.

 10.  Use the phone sparingly, only to report life-threatening emergencies.

 11.  Tune to local news for emergency information.

 12.  Try to stay off of the streets.  If you have to go out, be cautious of potential dangers.

 13.  Keep away from designated disaster areas unless volunteers are requested.

(Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency. Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness.)

 

For More Information, Please Visit

• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Illinois Emergency Management Agency
• United States Geological Survey
• American Red Cross

Other Natural Disasters

• Floods

• Tornadoes

• Thunderstorms

• Winter Weather

• Extreme Heat

• Fire

• Earthquake

 

McHenry County Department of Health
2200 N Seminary Ave, Annex A
Woodstock, Illinois 60098

Telephone (815) 334-4510

Fax (815) 338-7661