Earthquakes: Behavior Rules and First Aid

Introduction: When the Ground Itself Becomes the Enemy

Earthquakes strike without warning. In a matter of seconds, buildings collapse, roads crack open, and entire landscapes shift. Unlike storms or floods, earthquakes cannot be predicted precisely — their suddenness makes them one of the most terrifying natural disasters.

Every year, seismic events cause thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in damage. However, survival largely depends on how people act during and immediately after the shaking. Knowledge of safe behavior, first aid, and basic preparedness can significantly increase your chances of surviving an earthquake.

1. Understanding Earthquakes

1.1. What Causes Earthquakes

An earthquake is the sudden release of energy stored in the Earth’s crust, caused by the movement of tectonic plates. The energy travels as seismic waves, shaking the ground and structures on it.

Type	Description	Example
Tectonic Earthquake	Caused by plate movement	Most common and destructive
Volcanic Earthquake	Associated with volcanic activity	Localized near volcanoes
Collapse Earthquake	Due to underground cave or mine collapse	Local, minor
Explosion Earthquake	Caused by human activity or detonation	Limited area

1.2. Measuring Earthquakes

Scale	Description
Richter Scale	Measures magnitude (energy released). Each step = 10× increase in energy.
Mercalli Intensity Scale	Measures observable effects on structures and people (I–XII).

Minor (M < 4.0): Usually not felt or causes little damage.
Moderate (M 5.0–6.0): Noticeable shaking, minor structural damage.
Strong (M 6.0–7.0): Significant damage, possible casualties.
Major (M 7.0–8.0): Widespread destruction.
Great (M > 8.0): Catastrophic, affects large regions.

2. Before an Earthquake: Preparedness

2.1. Home and Workplace Safety

Secure heavy furniture and appliances to walls.
Store breakable items on lower shelves.
Know safe spots (under sturdy tables, inside door frames, beside load-bearing walls).
Keep exits clear.
Prepare an emergency kit:
- Water (3-day supply)
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlight, batteries, whistle
- First-aid kit
- Radio and power bank
- Copies of IDs and emergency contacts

2.2. Family and Team Plan

Establish a meeting point after evacuation.
Agree on emergency communication methods (texting works better than calls).
Teach children how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”

3. During an Earthquake

Location	What to Do	What to Avoid
Indoors	Drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on. Stay away from windows, mirrors, and shelves.	Do not run outside or use elevators.
Outdoors	Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.	Avoid bridges, tunnels, and cliffs.
In a Vehicle	Stop in a clear area, stay inside with seatbelt on.	Don’t park under bridges or near trees.
In a Crowd	Protect your head and neck, stay low, move toward clear exits only after shaking stops.	Avoid rushing or pushing.

Key Rule:

“Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” — This simple action reduces the risk of falling debris injuries by up to 80%.

4. After the Earthquake

4.1. Immediate Actions

Stay calm — aftershocks are common.
Check yourself and others for injuries.
Turn off gas, electricity, and water if damaged.
Use phones only for emergencies.
Wear sturdy shoes — broken glass and debris are everywhere.
Do not use open flames — gas leaks may be present.
Listen to official broadcasts for evacuation orders.

4.2. If You’re Trapped Under Debris

Do not shout continuously. Conserve oxygen.
Tap on pipes or walls to signal rescuers.
Cover mouth with cloth to filter dust.
Avoid lighting matches.
Stay still to avoid dislodging debris.

5. Special Environments

5.1. In Mountains or Hills

Be aware of landslides triggered by shaking.
Move uphill immediately if near a slope or cliff.

5.2. In Coastal Areas

Move inland or to higher ground — earthquakes can trigger tsunamis within minutes.

5.3. In Cities

Avoid glass façades, power lines, and overpasses.
Use stairways, never elevators, when evacuating.

6. First Aid After an Earthquake

Injury	Symptoms	First Aid
Bleeding	External wounds	Apply pressure with clean cloth or bandage
Fracture	Pain, swelling, immobility	Immobilize with splints
Shock	Pale skin, weak pulse	Lay flat, elevate legs, keep warm
Burns	Red or blistered skin	Cool with clean water, cover with sterile cloth
Crush injuries	Trapped limb	Do not pull out; wait for rescue team

If someone is unconscious, check for breathing and pulse — begin CPR if necessary.

7. Emergency Communication and Coordination

Text instead of calling to reduce network overload.
Tune in to local radio for updates.
Use satellite messengers in remote regions.
Mark buildings with visible signs:
- “HELP” for trapped people.
- “OK” for safe areas.

8. Psychological Resilience

Aftershocks, destruction, and fear can cause disorientation and trauma.

Reassure group members.
Focus on simple, achievable tasks.
Keep routine: eating, resting, communicating.
Avoid rumors and misinformation — rely on official channels.

9. Key Facts and Statistics

Statistic	Source	Insight
Around 20,000 people die annually from earthquakes	USGS, 2023	Most fatalities occur in collapsing buildings
75% of injuries come from falling debris	WHO, 2022	Indoors safety is crucial
Average aftershock frequency: up to 20 in 24 hours	EMSC, 2021	Danger continues after main quake
Survival rate for trapped victims drops to 20% after 72 hours	UNDRR, 2020	Early rescue is vital

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can animals sense earthquakes?
Yes, many animals react seconds or minutes before shaking due to ground vibrations.

Q2: What’s the safest part of a building?
Near load-bearing walls or under sturdy furniture, away from windows.

Q3: Should I run outside during shaking?
No. Falling debris is more dangerous than staying inside.

Q4: What to do if trapped under rubble?
Stay calm, tap for sound signals, and conserve air.

Q5: How soon do aftershocks occur?
Usually within minutes, but can continue for days or weeks.

Q6: Can earthquakes be predicted?
Not precisely. Only probability zones are known.

Q7: How can I identify unsafe buildings?
Look for visible cracks, leaning walls, or detached foundations.

Q8: Is it safe to use elevators after an earthquake?
No. Use stairs only.

Q9: Can I drive after the quake stops?
Avoid driving — roads may be damaged or blocked.

Q10: What items are essential in an emergency kit?
Water, food, flashlight, radio, whistle, first-aid kit, copies of documents.

Q11: What should I teach children?
Drop, cover, and hold; then stay calm and wait for adults.

Q12: Should I sleep outside after a quake?
If aftershocks are strong or buildings are unstable, yes.

Q13: Can cooking gas explode after an earthquake?
Yes — check and shut off valves immediately.

Q14: How can I help others safely?
Avoid unstable debris; call professionals if heavy lifting required.

Q15: What’s the first thing to do after evacuation?
Count all group members and assist the injured.

Q16: Can earthquakes cause fires?
Yes, from gas leaks or electrical damage.

Q17: Are coastal quakes more dangerous?
Yes — risk of tsunamis. Move to high ground immediately.

Q18: Should I take shelter in a doorway?
Only if the frame is structurally strong; modern buildings differ.

Q19: Is it safe under a bridge or overpass?
No — they may collapse. Avoid.

Q20: How long should I wait before re-entering a building?
Until professionals declare it structurally safe.

11. Summary

Earthquakes are sudden and merciless, but not entirely unmanageable. Preparation, awareness, and disciplined action during shaking can prevent most casualties. Remember: stay calm, protect yourself first, and assist others only when it’s safe. Survival depends not on luck, but on readiness and quick thinking.

Note

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace professional emergency training or local safety directives. Always follow the advice of civil defense, geological institutes, and official rescue services in the event of an earthquake.