Earthquake? Stay calm. Here’s how…

With the 5 August earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale and being the first I had ever experienced, I can honestly say it was pretty scary.

Although most of the damage ocurred where it started, in Orkney in the North West we as Randfonteiners also felt it.

A number of small earthquakes then followed after this one but what if one day a more devastating one strikes? Would you know what to do?

Well, thanks to ER 24’s tips we more or less will know what to do when confronted by one of mother nature’s most feared, the earthquake.

What should you do during an earthquake?
• Stay calm.
• Try and stay where you are. Use large and sturdy objects such as a big desk to crawl under. If you are in a building, try and stand with your back against the wall near the centre of the building. You should try and stay away from windows and outside doors.
• Should you be outside at the time of an earthquake, look around you. Ensure you are clear from power cables or anything overhead that might fall on you. Do not stand near or against a building, debris might fall on top of you.
• Use the stairs to evacuate premises (only when it is safe to do so)

What should you do after an earthquake?
• Establish if you have sustained any injuries. Check around you and try to see if anyone else sustained any injuries. If you can provide first aid, proceed to do so.
• Call ER24 on 084124 for medical assistance if someone sustained an injury.
• If the building you are in sustained structural damage, even if you are unsure, evacuated calmly and quickly. (If possible)
• Try and listen to your local radio station for emergency or news updates.
• Do not enter any damaged buildings or areas.
• There might be debris lying around. Be very careful around broken glass and other items that can cause you harm. Do not take off your shoes.
• Stay away from beaches until the area has been announced as safe.
• If the area you are in has an evacuation or emergency plan, try and follow it.
• Expect aftershocks.