Earthquake Safety Rules

Suggested safety rules during and after the earthquake are as follows:

1. Do not panic, keep calm.
2. Douse all fires.
3. If the earthquake catches you indoors, stay indoors. Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture. Stay away from glass, or loose hanging objects.
4. If you are outside, move away from buildings, steep slopes and utility wires.
5. If you are in a crowded place, do not rush for cover or to doorways.
6. If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits, but stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.
7. If you are in a lift, get out of the lift as quickly as possible.
8. If you are in a tunnel, move out of the tunnel to the open as quickly as safety permits.

1. Check for casualties and seek assistance if needed.
2. If you suspect a gas leak, open windows and shut off the main valve. Leave the building and report the gas leaks. Do not light a fire or use the telephone at the site.
3. Turn off the main valve if water supply is damaged.
4. Stay out of severely damaged buildings as aftershocks may cause them to collapse. Report any building damage to the authorities.
5. As a precaution against tsunamis, stay away from shores, beaches and low-lying coastal areas.  If you are there, move inland or to higher grounds.  The upper floors of high, multi-storey, reinforced concrete building can provide safe refuge if there is no time to quickly move inland or to higher grounds.