Introduction: Staying Alive When Seconds Count

Natural disasters strike with little warning and can escalate in moments. Earthquakes, floods, and fires are among the most common and deadly emergencies worldwide. Each demands specific actions and split-second decision-making. Knowing what to do — and doing it instinctively — can save lives when panic and confusion dominate.

This article provides evidence-based, practical instructions for surviving the three most frequent natural disasters: earthquakes, floods, and fires. Drawing on guidelines from FEMA, the Red Cross, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), and global emergency management protocols, it details how to act before, during, and after each type of event.

Fundamentals of Disaster Response

1. The “Before–During–After” Framework
All effective survival strategies follow this model:

Phase

Objective

Example

Before

Prepare and reduce risk

Emergency kits, evacuation plans

During

Protect life immediately

Shelter, safe movement

After

Recover and prevent further harm

First aid, communication, sanitation

2. Core Principles for All Disasters

  • Stay calm and think before acting.

  • Protect your body — especially your head and airway.

  • Follow preplanned routes and signals.

  • Never return to danger zones until authorities declare them safe.

Part I: Earthquakes

1. Before an Earthquake

  • Secure heavy furniture, mirrors, and shelves to walls.

  • Identify safe spots in each room: under sturdy tables, beside interior walls, away from windows.

  • Prepare an emergency kit (flashlight, whistle, first-aid, shoes, documents).

  • Practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drills with your family.

2. During an Earthquake

Location

Action

Indoors

Drop to your hands and knees. Take cover under a sturdy table or desk. Hold on until shaking stops. Stay away from windows and heavy objects.

Outdoors

Move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and trees. Stay low.

Driving

Pull over to the side of the road, avoiding bridges, tunnels, and overpasses. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.

Crowded Area

Do not rush for exits. Protect your head and neck. Move only after the shaking ceases.

3. After an Earthquake

  • Expect aftershocks.

  • Check yourself and others for injuries.

  • Turn off gas, water, and electricity if safe to do so.

  • Avoid damaged buildings and downed power lines.

  • Use text messages instead of calls to keep networks open.

  • Listen to emergency broadcasts for updates.

Key Tip: Never use elevators after an earthquake — they may be damaged or lose power.

Part II: Floods

1. Before a Flood

  • Know local flood risks and warning systems.

  • Keep emergency supplies, waterproof containers, and evacuation routes ready.

  • Store valuables and electronics on upper levels.

  • Prepare sandbags or barriers if in flood-prone areas.

2. During a Flood

Situation

Action

At Home

Move to the highest floor or roof. Do not enter basements. Turn off electricity and gas. Avoid contact with floodwater.

On the Road

Turn around — never drive into flooded roads (“Turn Around, Don’t Drown”). Even 30 cm (1 foot) of water can sweep a car away.

On Foot

Avoid walking through moving water. Use a stick to check depth. Stay away from riverbanks and drains.

Evacuation

Follow official instructions. Carry your go-bag. Move quickly but calmly.

3. After a Flood

  • Do not re-enter your home until it’s declared safe.

  • Avoid drinking tap water until tested.

  • Wear boots and gloves to protect from debris and contamination.

  • Photograph damage for insurance claims.

  • Disinfect surfaces and dispose of spoiled food.

Key Tip: Floodwater often contains sewage, chemicals, and pathogens — treat it as toxic.

Part III: Fires

1. Before a Fire

  • Install smoke detectors on every floor and test monthly.

  • Plan two exits from each room.

  • Keep fire extinguishers near kitchens and heating equipment.

  • Educate children on fire safety and escape routes.

2. During a Fire

Location

Action

Inside a Building

Stay low to avoid smoke inhalation. Crawl toward the nearest exit. Feel doors with the back of your hand — if hot, use an alternate route.

Trapped Indoors

Seal doors with wet cloths. Signal for help through a window with a flashlight or cloth.

Using an Extinguisher

Follow the PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. Only if the fire is small and escape remains possible.

Clothing on Fire

Stop, Drop, and Roll to smother flames.

High-Rise Fire

Never use elevators. Move to stairwells and close doors behind you.

3. After a Fire

  • Wait for firefighters to declare the area safe.

  • Do not switch on electrical systems or use open flames until inspected.

  • Photograph and document losses for insurance.

  • Seek medical attention for smoke inhalation or burns, even if mild.

Key Tip: Most fatalities in fires are from smoke inhalation, not burns — always prioritize clean air and quick escape.

Step-by-Step Summary Table

Disaster

Before

During

After

Earthquake

Secure items, identify safe zones

Drop, cover, and hold

Expect aftershocks, check gas lines

Flood

Elevate items, plan evacuation

Move to higher ground

Avoid contaminated water

Fire

Install alarms, plan exits

Crawl low, avoid heat, escape

Wait for clearance, document damage

Universal Safety Actions Checklist

  • Keep shoes and flashlight by your bed.

  • Maintain a charged power bank and radio.

  • Learn first aid and CPR.

  • Know how to shut off utilities.

  • Create meeting points for family members.

  • Store emergency numbers in your phone and on paper.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Situation

Mistake

Correct Action

Earthquake

Running outside

Stay indoors until shaking stops

Flood

Walking/driving in water

Seek higher ground immediately

Fire

Returning for belongings

Exit first, always

All

Relying solely on electronic alerts

Keep a manual radio and printed plan

Emotional and Psychological Safety
Survivors often face shock and trauma after disasters. To recover effectively:

  • Talk with family or community support groups.

  • Engage in physical activity to release stress.

  • Maintain routines for children to restore security.

  • Seek professional counseling if anxiety or insomnia persists.

FAQ: Acting During Earthquakes, Floods, and Fires

  1. What’s the safest spot during an earthquake?
    Under a sturdy table or next to an interior wall away from windows.

  2. Can I hide in a doorway?
    Only if it’s a modern, reinforced frame — most doorways offer little protection.

  3. Should I open windows during an earthquake?
    No, glass may shatter.

  4. How can I tell if a flood is coming?
    Listen for sirens, alerts, or rapid water level rise; never wait to confirm.

  5. Can I boil floodwater to make it safe?
    Only if visibly clean — chemical contamination requires filters or bottled water.

  6. Is it safer to drive fast through floodwater?
    No — even shallow water can sweep vehicles away.

  7. What if trapped in a burning building?
    Block smoke with wet towels, call for help, and signal from a window.

  8. Can I use a lift during fire evacuation?
    Never — elevators can fill with smoke or lose power.

  9. Should I save valuables before leaving a fire?
    No — human life is always the top priority.

  10. Why stay low during a fire?
    Smoke rises — air near the floor contains more oxygen.

  11. What should I do if my car is caught in an earthquake?
    Stop safely, stay inside, avoid bridges and trees.

  12. How soon can I return home after flooding?
    Only when authorities confirm it’s safe and utilities are restored.

  13. What should I wear during cleanup?
    Boots, gloves, long sleeves — to avoid injury and contamination.

  14. Is it safe to use candles during a power outage after a quake?
    Not if gas leaks are suspected — use flashlights instead.

  15. How do I help neighbors after disasters?
    Offer first aid, share information, and report missing persons.

  16. What about pets during evacuation?
    Keep them leashed and included in the family plan.

  17. How can I prepare mentally for disasters?
    Practice drills and visualize calm responses.

  18. Do aftershocks happen immediately?
    Yes — often within minutes or hours, sometimes days later.

  19. Can I swim through floodwaters?
    Never — debris, currents, and bacteria make it deadly.

  20. How can I protect my lungs after a fire?
    Wear masks and avoid dusty or smoky areas until air clears.

Note
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It summarizes established emergency response guidelines from FEMA, the Red Cross, WHO, and national civil protection agencies. Always follow official evacuation orders and local emergency instructions. Safety procedures should be practiced regularly and adapted to your region’s risks.