Earthquakes are sudden and incredibly destructive. So you should take heed of these survival tips BEFORE one hits. From Survival Frog Blog…

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Retreat from the Ocean

An earthquake can trigger a deadly tsunami with little to no warning, so it is vital to retreat from the coast after an earthquake. Seismic activity causes disruptions on the ocean floor which can produce gigantic waves that travel outward in all directions.

In cases like the 1992 Nicaragua earthquake, it was the resulting tsunami that caused most of the damage and fatalities.

If you find yourself near the beach during an earthquake, you’ll want to move away from the water as soon as the shaking stops. If you observe the tide receding from the shore, that is often a sign of an approaching tsunami.

Keep Emergency Supplies in Your Car

Earthquakes can topple buildings, bridges, and utility wires in a matter of seconds. If you’re caught driving during an earthquake, your priority is to try and get away from any of these hazards.

Once you and your vehicle are in the clear, the next best course of action is to halt and wait for the tremors to stop.

Even after the earthquake and aftershocks have ended, you may find yourself and other drivers stranded on the road. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car at all times.

You’ll want the usual supplies like a good first aid kit along with tire sealant, but it’s also a good idea to pack a few body warmers and even an emergency blanket.

Keep Your Home Maintained

Many homes contain structural damage that owners may not know about. While foundation issues rarely make a home unlivable, they can result in increased damage or personal injury during an earthquake.

Routine maintenance and repair of foundation cracks should be part of your earthquake survival plan.

Something like a cracked chimney may seem like little more than a cosmetic issue, but this could cause a complete collapse in an earthquake.

Also, make sure to keep the batteries in your home’s carbon monoxide and smoke detectors fresh. Fires are common after an earthquake hits since gas lines and electrical wiring are often damaged during the event.

Secure Your Water Heater

Water heaters are very vulnerable to ground undulations and can easily tip over during an earthquake.

Any water heater movement can result in gas line leaks, water line leaks, and electrical wiring damage. Make sure your home’s water heater is properly braced and secure.

A secure water heater should have two straps that wrap around it and attach to the nearby wall. Many home supply stores sell bracing kits that can make this process simple.

Have Food and Water Supplies on Hand

It’s recommended that people keep a 72-hour supply of non-perishable food and clean water on hand for an emergency.

Prepare for Blackouts

The 2010 Chile earthquake generated a blackout that affected over 93% of the population in the country.

To prepare for an earthquake, you should make sure you have different emergency lighting options available. Until you can determine if there is a gas leak in your home, it’s best to refrain from lighting candles.

Instead, use battery and solar-powered emergency lights to help you navigate in the dark.

Don’t discount the threat from earthquakes and these tips will help you to survive one! For more great info and survival guides, check out Survival Frog Blog.

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