EARTHQUAKES
SAFETY TIPS
Earthquakes usually give no warning at all.
Prepare your family
Before the earthquake
Now is the time to formulate a safety plan
for you and your family. If you wait until the earth starts to shake, it
may be too late. Consider the following safety measures:
· Always keep the following in a designated place: bottled drinking water,
non-perishable food (chura, gur, etc), first-aid kit, torchlight and
battery-operated radio with extra batteries.
· Teach family members how to turn off electricity, gas, etc.
· Identify places in the house that can provide cover during an
earthquake.
· It may be easier to make long distance calls during an earthquake.
Identify an out-of-town relative or friend as your family’s emergency
contact. If the family members get separated after the earthquake and are
not able to contact each other, they should contact the designated
relative/friend. The address and phone number of the contact
person/relative should be with all the family members.
Safeguard your house
· Consider
retrofitting your house with earthquake-safety measures. Reinforcing the
foundation and frame could make your house quake resistant. You may consult a reputable
contractor and follow building codes.
· Kutchha buildings can also be retrofitted and
strengthened.
During quake
Earthquakes give no warning at all.
Sometimes, a loud rumbling sound might signal its arrival a few seconds ahead
of time. Those few seconds could give you a chance to move to a safer location.
Here are some tips for keeping safe during a quake.
· Take cover. Go under a table or other sturdy
furniture; kneel, sit, or stay close to the floor. Hold on to furniture legs
for balance. Be prepared to move if your cover moves.
· If no sturdy cover is nearby, kneel or sit close to
the floor next to a structurally sound interior wall. Place your hands on the floor for balance.
· Do not stand in doorways. Violent motion could cause
doors to slam and cause serious injuries. You may also be hit be flying
objects.
· Move away from windows, mirrors, bookcases and other
unsecured heavy objects.
· If you are in bed, stay there and cover yourself with
pillows and blankets
· Do not run outside if you are inside. Never use the
lift.
· If you are living in a kutcha house, the best thing to
do is to move to an open area where there are no trees, electric or telephone
wires.
If outdoors:
· Move into the open, away from buildings, streetlights,
and utility wires. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.
· If your home is badly damaged, you will have to leave.
Collect water, food, medicine, other essential items and important documents
before leaving.
· Avoid places where there are loose electrical wires
and do not touch metal objects that are in touch with the loose wires.
· Do not re-enter damaged buildings and stay away from badly damaged
structures.
If in a moving
vehicle:
Move to a clear area away from buildings,
trees, overpasses, or utility wires, stop, and stay in the vehicle. Once the
shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might
have been damaged by the quake.
After the quake
Here are a few things to keep in mind after
an earthquake. The caution you display in the aftermath can be essential for
your personal safety.
· Wear shoes/chappals to protect your feet from debris
· After the first tremor, be prepared for
aftershocks. Though less intense, aftershocks cause additional damages
and may bring down weakened structures. Aftershocks can occur in the
first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
· Check for fire hazards and use torchlights instead of
candles or lanterns.
· If the building you live in is in a good shape after
the earthquake, stay inside and listen for radio advises. If you are not
certain about the damage to your building, evacuate carefully. Do not touch
downed power line.
· Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate. Do
not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of
further injury. In such cases, call for help.
· Remember to help your neighbours who may require
special assistance-infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
· Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest
emergency information.
· Stay out of damaged buildings.
· Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or gasoline or other flammable liquids
immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.
Open closet and cupboard doors cautiously.
· If you smell gas or hear hissing noise, open windows
and quickly leave the building. Turn off the switch on the top of the gas
cylinder.
· Look for electrical system damages - if you see
sparks, broken wires, or if you smell burning of amber, turn off electricity at
the main fuse box. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box,
call an electrician first for advice.
· Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you
suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets. If water pipes are
damaged, avoid using water from the tap.
· Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
· In case family members are separated from one another
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 state / district relative or friend to serve as
the “family contact”. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name,
address, and phone number(s) of the contact person (s).
CYCLONE
SAFETY TIPS
Before the Cyclone Season
- Keep watch on weather and listen to
radio or TV. Keep alert about the community warning systems –
loudspeakers, bells, conches, drums or any traditional warning system.
- Get to know the nearest cyclone
shelter / safe houses and the safest route to reach these shelters.
- Do not listen to rumours.
- Prepare an emergency kit containing:
- A portable radio, torch and spare
batteries;
- Stocks dry food – Chura, Chhatua,
Mudhi, gur, etc.
- Matches, fuel lamp, portable stove,
cooking utensils, waterproof bags
- A first aid kit, manual, etc.
- Katuri, pliers, small saw, axe and
plastic rope
- Check the roof and cover it with net
or bamboo. Check the walls, pillars, doors and windows to see if they are
secure. If not, repair those at the earliest. In case of tin roofs, check
the condition of the tin and repair the loose points. Cover the mud walls
with polythene or coconut leaves mats or straw mats on a bamboo frame.
Bind each corner of the roof with a plastic rope in case of thatched roof.
- Trim dry tree branches, cut off the
dead trees and clear the place/courtyard of all debris, including coconuts
and tree branches.
- Clear your property of loose materials
that could blow about and cause injury or damage during extreme winds.
- If your area is prone to storm surge,
locate safe high ground or shelter.
- Keep important documents, passbook,
etc. in a tight plastic bag and take it along with your emergency kits if
you are evacuating.
- Identify the spot where you can dig
holes to store food grains, seeds, etc. in polythene bags.
- Keep a list of emergency addresses and
phone numbers on display. Know the contact telephone number of the
government offices /agencies, which are responsible for search, rescue and
relief operations in your area.
- Vulnerability list and maps have
been updated
- Cyclone drill including search
& rescue, first aid training have taken place
- Stock of dry food, essential
medicines and proper shelter materials maintained
- Store loose items inside. Put extra
agricultural products/ stock like paddy in plastic bags and store it by
digging up a hole in the ground, preferably at a higher elevation and then
cover it properly. Fill bins and plastic jars with drinking water.
- Keep clothing for protection, handy
- Prepare a list of assets and
belongings of your house and give information to volunteers and other
authorities about your near and dear ones.
- Fill fuel in your car/motorcycle and
park it under a solid cover. Tie bullock carts, boats securely to strong
posts in an area, which has a strong cover and away from trees. Fallen
trees can smash boats and other assets.
- Close shutters or nail all windows.
Secure doors. Stay indoors, with pets.
- Pack warm clothing, essential
medications, valuables, papers, water, dry food and other valuables in
waterproof bags, to be taken along with your emergency kit.
- Listen to your local radio / TV, local
community warning system for further information.
- In case of warning of serious storm,
move with your family to a strong pucca building. In case of warning of
cyclones of severe intensity, evacuate the area with your family, precious
items and documents and emergency kit. Take special care for children,
elders, sick, pregnant women and lactating mothers in your family. Do not
forget your emergency food stock, water and other emergency items. GO TO THE NEAREST CYCLONE
SHELTER.
- Do not venture into the sea for
fishing.
Based on predicted wind speeds and storm surge heights, evacuation
may be necessary. Official advice may be given on local radio / TV or other
means of communication regarding safe routes and when to move.
- Wear strong shoes or chappals and
clothing for protection.
- Lock your home, switch off power, gas,
water, and take your emergency kit.
- If evacuating to a distant place take
valuable belonging, domestic animals, and leave early to avoid heavy
traffic, flooding and wind hazards.
- If evacuating to a local shelter or
higher grounds carry the emergency kit and minimum essential materials.
- Disconnect all electrical appliances
and turn off gas.
- If the building starts crumbling,
protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets under a strong table or
bench or hold on to a solid fixture (e.g. a water pipe)
- Listen to your transistor radio for updates
and advice.
- Beware of the calm `eye’. If the wind
suddenly drops, don’t assume the cyclone is over; violent winds will soon
resume from the opposite direction. Wait for the official “all clear”.
- If driving, stop – but well away from
the sea and clear of trees, power lines and watercourses. Stay in the
vehicle.
- Do not go outside until officially
advised it is safe.
- Check for gas leaks. Do not use
electric appliances, if wet.
- Listen to local radio for official
warnings and advice.
- If you have to evacuate, or did so
earlier, do not return until advised. Use a recommended route for
returning and do not rush.
- Be careful of snake bites and carry a
stick or bamboo
- Beware of fallen power lines, damaged
bridges, buildings and trees, and do not enter the floodwaters.
- Heed all warnings and do not go
sightseeing.
FLOODS
SAFETY TIPS
This guide lists simple things you and your family can do to stay
safe and protect your property from floods.
Before flooding
occurs.- All your family members should know
the safe route to nearest shelter/ raised pucca house.
- If your area is flood-prone, consider
alternative building materials. Mud walls are more likely to be damaged
during floods. You may consider making houses where the walls are made of
local bricks up to the highest known flood level with cement pointing.
- Have an emergency kit on hand which
includes a:
- A portable radio, torch and spare
batteries;
- Stocks of fresh water, dry food
(chura, mudi, gur, biscuits), kerosene, candle and matchboxes;
- Waterproof or polythene bags for
clothing and valuables, an umbrella and bamboo stick (to protect from
snake), salt and sugar.
- A first aid kit, manual and strong
ropes for tying things
- Tune to your local radio/TV for
warnings and advice.
- Keep vigil on flood warning given by
local authorities
- Don’t give any importance to rumours
and don’t panic
- Keep dry food, drinking water and
clothes ready
- Prepare to take bullock carts, other
agricultural equipments, and domestic animals to safer places or to higher
locations.
- Plan which indoor items you will raise
or empty if water threatens to enter your house
- Check your emergency kit
- Drink boiled water.
- Keep your food covered, don’t take
heavy meals.
- Use raw tea, rice-water, tender
coconut-water, etc. during diarrhoea; contact your ANM/AWW for ORS and
treatment.
- Do not let children remain on empty
stomach.
- Use bleaching powder and lime to
disinfect the surrounding.
- Help the officials/volunteers
distributing relief materials.
If you need to evacuate
- Firstly pack warm clothing, essential
medication, valuables, personal papers, etc. in waterproof bags, to be
taken with your emergency kit.
- Take the emergency kit
- Inform the local volunteers (if
available), the address of the place you are evacuating to.
- Raise furniture, clothing and
valuables onto beds, tables and to the top of the roof (electrical items
highest).
- Turn off power.
- Whether you leave or stay, put
sandbags in the toilet bowl and over all laundry / bathroom drain-holes to
prevent sewage back-flow.
- Lock your home and take
recommended/known evacuation routes for your area.
- Do not get into water of unknown depth
and current.
If you stay or on your return
· Stay tuned to local radio for updated advice.
· Do not allow children to play in, or near, flood waters.
· Avoid entering floodwaters. If you must, wear proper
protection for your feet and check depth and current with a stick. Stay away
from drains, culverts and water over knee-deep.
· Do not use electrical appliances, which have been in
floodwater until checked for safety.
· Do not eat food, which has been in floodwaters.
· Boil tap water (in cities) until supplies have been declared safe. In case of rural areas, store tube
well water in plastic jars or use halogen tablets before drinking.
· Be careful of snakes, snakebites are common during floods.
TIPS ON FIRE ACCIDENTS
a) High-Rise
Fires:
- Calmly
leave the apartment, closing the door behind you. Remember the keys!
- Pull the
fire alarm near the closest exit, if available, or raise an alarm by
warning others.
- Leave the
building by the stairs.
- Never take
the elevator during fire!
If the exit is blocked by smoke or fire:
- Leave the
door closed but do not lock it.
- To keep the
smoke out, put a wet towel in the space at the bottom of the door.
- Call the
emergency fire service number and tell them your apartment number and let
them know you are trapped by smoke and fire. It is important that you
listen and do what they tell you.
- Stay calm
and wait for someone to rescue you.
If there is a fire alarm in your building
which goes off:
- Before you
open the door, feel the door by using the back of our hand. If the door is
hot or warm, do not open the door.
- If the door
is cool, open it just a little to check the hallway. If you see smoke in
the hallway, do not leave.
- If there is
no smoke in the hallway, leave and close the door. Go directly to the
stairs to leave. Never
use the elevator.
If smoke is in your apartment:
- Stay low to
the floor under the smoke.
- Call the
Fire Emergency Number which should be pasted near your telephone along
with police and other emergency services and let them know that you are
trapped by smoke.
- If you have
a balcony and there is no fire below it, go out.
- If there is
fire below, go out to the window. DO
NOT OPEN THE WINDOW but
stay near the window.
- If there is
no fire below, go to the window and open it. Stay near the open window.
- Hang a bed
sheet, towel or blanket out of the window to let people know that you are
there and need help.
- Be calm and
wait for someone to rescue you.
A) A) Kitchen Fires:
It is important to know what kind of stove
or cooking oven you have in your home – gas, electric, kerosene or where
firewood is used. The stove is the No. 1 cause of fire hazards in your kitchen
and can cause fires, which may destroy the entire house, especially in rural
areas where there are thatched roof or other inflammable materials like straw
kept near the kitchen. For electric and gas stoves ensure that the switch or the gas
valve is switched off/turned off immediately after the cooking is over. An electric burner remains hot and until it cools off, it can be very
dangerous. The oven using wood can be dangerous because burning embers
remain. When lighting the fire on a wooden fuel oven, keep a cover on the top while lighting the oven so that sparks
do not fly to the thatched roof. After the cooking is over, ensure that the
remaining fire is extinguished
off by sprinkling water if no
adult remains in the kitchen after the cooking. Do not keep any inflammable article
like kerosene near the kitchen fire.
Important
Do’s in the Kitchen:
· Do have an adult always present when
cooking is going on the kitchen. Children should not be allowed alone.
· Do keep hair tied back and do not
wear synthetic clothes when you are cooking.
· Do make sure that the curtains on the window
near the stove are tied back and will not blow on to the flame or burner.
· Do check to make sure that the gas burner is
turned off immediately if the fire is not ignited and also switched off immediately
after cooking.
· Do turn panhandles to the centre of
the stove and put them out of touch of the children in the house.
· Do ensure that the floor is always
dry so that you do not slip and fall on the fire.
· Do keep matches out of the reach of
children.
Important Don’ts
· Don’t put towels, or dishrags near a
stove burner.
· Don’t wear loose fitting clothes when
you cook, and don’t reach across the top of the stove
when you are cooking.
· Don’t put things in the cabinets or
shelves above the stove. Young children may try to reach them and accidentally
start the burners, start a fire, catch on fire.
· Don’t store spray cans or cans carrying
inflammable items near the stove.
· Don’t let small children near an open
oven door. They can be burnt by the heat or by falling onto the door or into
the oven.
· Don’t lean against the stove to keep
warm.
· Don’t use towels as potholders. They may
catch on fire.
· Don’t overload an electrical outlet with
several appliances or extension cords. The cords or plugs may overheat and
cause a fire.
· Don’t use water to put out a grease
fire. ONLY use baking soda, salt, or a tight lid. Always keep a box of baking
soda near the stove.
· Don’t use radios or other small
appliances (mixers, blenders) near the sink.
COMMON
TIPS:
· Do keep the phone number of the Fire
Service near the telephone and ensure that everyone in the family knows the
number.
· Do keep matches and lighters away
from children.
· Do sleep with your bedroom closed to
prevent the spread of fire.
Do you know that you should never run if your clothes are on fire and that you should - “STOP – DROP-ROLL.”
LANDSLIDE
During a Landslide:
· Stay alert and awake. Many debris-flow
fatalities occur when people are sleeping. Listen to a Weather Radio or
portable, battery-powered radio or television for warnings of intense rainfall.
Be aware that intense, short bursts of rain may be particularly dangerous,
especially after longer periods of heavy rainfall and damp weather.
· If
you are in areas susceptible to landslides and debris flows, consider leaving
if it is safe to do so. Remember that driving during an intense storm can be
hazardous. If you remain at home, move to a second story if possible. Staying
out of the path of a landslide or debris flow saves lives.
· Listen
for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees
cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of flowing or falling mud or
debris may precede larger landslides. Moving debris can flow quickly and
sometimes without warning.
· If
you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease
in water flow and for a change from clear to muddy water. Such changes may
indicate landslide activity upstream, so be prepared to move quickly. Don't
delay! Save yourself, not your belongings.
· Be
especially alert when driving. Embankments along roadsides are particularly
susceptible to landslides. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen
rocks, and other indications of possible debris flows.
What
to Do if You Suspect Imminent Landslide Danger:
· Contact
your local fire, police, or public works department. Local officials are the
best persons able to assess potential danger.
· Inform
affected neighbors. Your neighbors may not be aware of potential hazards.
Advising them of a potential threat may help save lives. Help neighbors who may
need assistance to evacuate.
· Evacuate.
Getting out of the path of a landslide or debris flow is your best protection.
Media and Community Education Ideas:
· In
an area prone to landslides, publish a special newspaper section with emergency
information on landslides and debris flows. Localize the information by
including the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the Red Cross,
and hospitals.
· Report
on what city and county governments are doing to reduce the possibility of
landslides. Interview local officials about local land- use zoning regulations.
· Interview
local officials and major insurers. Find out if debris flow is covered by flood
insurance policies and contact your local emergency management office to learn
more about the program.
· Work
with local emergency services to prepare special reports for people with
mobility impairments on what to do if evacuation is ordered.
· Support
your local government in efforts to develop and enforce land-use and building
ordinances that regulate construction in areas susceptible to landslides and
debris flows. Buildings should be located away from steep slopes, streams and
rivers, intermittent-stream channels, and the mouths of mountain channels.
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