Page 18 - RMAI BULLETIN Oct - Dec 2019

RMAI BULLETIN OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2019

Earthquake: A dos and don't's

guide by NDMA

WhattoDoBeforeanEarthquake Haveadisasteremergencykitready
D Repair deep plaster cracks in ceilings and D Batteryoperatedtorchwithextrabatteries
foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of D Batteryoperatedradio
structuraldefects.
D Firstaidkitandmanual
D Anchoroverheadlightingfixturestotheceiling.
D Emergency food (dry items) and water (packed and
D Follow BIS codes relevant to your area for building sealed)
standards
D Candlesandmatchesinawaterproofcontainer
D Fastenshelvessecurelytowalls.
D Knife
D Placelargeorheavyobjectsonlowershelves.
D Chlorinetabletsorpowderedwaterpurifiers
D Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass,
D Canopener.
andchinainlow,closedcabinetswithlatches.
D Essentialmedicines
D Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors
D Cashandcreditcards
away from beds, settees, and anywhere that
peoplesit. D Thickropesandcords

D Braceoverheadlightandfanfixtures. D Sturdyshoes
D Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas
Develop an emergency communication
connections.Thesearepotentialfirerisks.
plan
D Secure water heaters, LPG cylinders etc., by
strappingthemtothewallsorboltingtothefloor. D In case family members are separated from one
another during an earthquake (a real possibility
D Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable
during the day when adults are at work and
products securely in closed cabinets with latches
children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting
andonbottomshelves.
afterthedisaster.
D Identifysafeplacesindoorsandoutdoors.
D Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the
l Understrongdiningtable,bed 'family contact' after the disaster; it is often easier
l Againstaninsidewall to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the
family knows the name, address, and phone
l Away from where glass could shatter around
numberofthecontactperson.
windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy
bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall Helpyourcommunitygetready
over
D Publish a special section in your local newspaper
l In the open, away from buildings, trees,
with emergency information on earthquakes.
telephone and electrical lines, flyovers and Localize the information by printing the phone
bridges numbers of local emergency services offices and
D Know emergency telephone numbers (such as hospitals.
thoseofdoctors,hospitals,thepolice,etc)
D Conduct week-long series on locating hazards in
D Educateyourselfandfamilymembers thehome.

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