Port Blair, Apr 10: Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in a seismically active part of the world (Zone –V) and earthquakes occur in these regions regularly. Therefore, it is essential to strengthen the preparedness level of A&N Islands to cope up with earthquakes.
Considering recent earthquakes struck in this UT, Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director (Disaster Management), A&N Administration urge to residents of this UT to follow necessary precautionary measures to minimize the impact of earthquake, if occurs and learn Do’s & Don’ts on Earthquake to save precious lives and property.
Before Earthquake
• Consult a structural engineer to make your house earthquake resilient.
• Preserve the design and layout drawings of your house for future reference.
• Fasten shelves securely to walls; place heavy/ large objects on lower shelves. Provide strong support to power and gas appliances
• Prepare an emergency kit with essential items for safety and survival.
• Develop an emergency communication and evacuation plan for your family and community.
• Learn the technique of ‘Duck-Cover-Hold.
• Educate yourself and family members about earthquake risk by participating in earthquake safety programmes.
During Earthquake
• Stay calm, Do Not Panic. If you’re indoors, stay inside. If you’re outside, stay outside.
• Don’t use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don’t mix.
• If you’re in a car, stop the car and stay inside until the earthquake stops.
• Duck under a table; Cover your head with one hand and Hold the table till the tremors last.
• Stay away from mirrors and windows. Do not exit the building while the earth is still shaking.
• Move outside as soon as the tremors stop. Do not use a lift.
• When outside, move away from buildings, trees, walls and poles/electric lines.
• When inside a vehicle, pull over in an open place and remain inside, avoid bridges.
• When in a structurally safe building, stay inside until shaking stops.
• Protect yourself by staying in the corner/ under a strong table or bed/ an inside wall away from mirrors and windows.
• If near an exit, leave the building as soon as possible.
• If inside an old and weak structure, take the fastest and safest way out.
After Earthquake
• Do not enter damaged buildings.
• If trapped in rubble:
• Do not light a matchstick
• Cover your mouth with a cloth.
• Tap on a pipe or a wall.
• Sound a whistle
• Shout only as a last resort. This will help you conserve energy
• Use stairs and not lifts or elevators.
• Move cautiously, and check for unstable objects and other hazards above and around you. Check yourself for injuries.
• Anticipate aftershocks, especially after a major earthquake.
• Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis and beaches sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.
• Do not spread and/ or believe in rumours.
• Leave a message stating where you are going if you must evacuate your house.
• Do not drive around the damaged areas as rescue and relief operations need roads for mobility.
• Do not attempt to cross bridges/flyovers, which may have been damaged
“Be aware, Be Prepared, Be Safe”
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