Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently, and without warning. We’ve seen this in recent months in Lima and the country’s central coast. Therefore, to prevent any negative consequences this phenomenon may cause, How to make an we must identify potential hazards in advance. At Edifica , we explain how to develop an emergency plan in case of an earthquake and how to stay safe in your new apartment .
1. Check for hazards in your apartment
- Securely attach shelves to walls.
- Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
- Store fragile items such as bottled foods, armenia phone number library glass, and china in low, latched cabinets.
- Hang heavy items like pictures and mirrors away from beds, sofas, and anywhere people sit.
- Repair faulty electrical wiring and leaking gas connections. These are potential fire hazards .
- Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. If there are signs of structural defects, seek expert advice.
- Store herbicides, pesticides, and flammable products safely in latched cabinets and on lower shelves.
2. Identify safe places indoors and outdoors
- Under sturdy furniture, such as a heavy desk or table.
- Against an interior wall.
- Away from where glass could break, for example, around windows, how to dominate search engines mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookshelves or other heavy furniture could fall.
- As part of your family’s earthquake risk management emergency plan , locate outdoor spaces away from buildings, trees, telephone and power lines, overpasses, or elevated highways.
3. Educate your family members
- Review an evacuation and first aid plan with your family.
- Teach children how and when to call emergency services like the police or fire department and which radio station to tune into for emergency information.
- Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, usa b2b list electricity, and water.
4. Have disaster supplies on hand
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Portable radio that runs on batteries and extra batteries.
- First aid kit , manual and earthquake supply kit.
- Emergency food and water.
- Opener.
- Essential medicines.
- Cash and credit cards.
- Sturdy shoes.
5. Develop an emergency communication plan
- In case family members are separated during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
- Ask an out-of-town relative or friend to act as a “family contact.” After a natural disaster , it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure all family members know the contact person’s name, address, and phone number.
What to do during an earthquake
Below are some other recommendations you can include in your earthquake emergency plan to stay safe inside your apartment.
Internal security
- If the lights go out, use a battery-operated flashlight. Do not use candles, matches, or lighters during or after the earthquake , as a gas leak could cause an explosion.
- Stay inside your apartment until the earthquake is over and it’s safe to leave. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings try to move to a different location or leave.
- Please be aware that power may be cut off or sprinkler systems or fire alarms may be activated .
- Do not use the elevators.
High-rise buildings
- Take cover under a desk and stay away from windows and exterior walls. It’s recommended that you stay inside your apartment building and remain calm in the event of consequences such as power outages and sprinkler systems turning on. It’s also best not to use elevators.
As you’ll see, developing an emergency plan and knowing what to do before, during, and after an earthquake is essential to ensuring your safety and that of your family. We hope this article has been helpful!
Likewise, if you’re looking for a property, Edifica Real Estate has 15 years of experience developing projects in the most established districts of Lima and other cities.