What to do in case of an earthquake: simple rules that can save lives
An earthquake is the most "insidious" natural disaster, which frightens with its inclusiveness and scale. If tsunamis, floods, landslides, typhoons can somehow be predicted, then the prevention of the destructive and deadly consequences of earthquakes is reduced only to the rules on how to behave during sudden tremors of the earth's surface.
These simple rules give hope that the wreckage of a massive building in which a person is located can fall past or fall on an improvised "shield", which can act as a table behind which he hid or a supporting beam of the building.
To cancel the negative impact of earthquakes, first of all you need to remember the following important rules:
— Lie down on all fours, holding on to something solid and covering your neck and head with your hands. It is advisable to hide under the table and away from the windows.
— Choose places above the" load-bearing " walls, as they are part of the so-called "architectural skeleton" of the building, and the probability of their destruction is low.
— Drivers need to put on the handbrake and immediately get out of a car, and do not approach structures on the street.
— When the earthquake is over, you must immediately find an area that is open and safe, as aftershocks may occur again.
— You must follow all instructions from local authorities and deployed rescue teams.
These simple rules, as well as prejudice, can save the lives of residents of large cities facing the elements. For people living in the area of seismic activity, it is recommended to fix furniture to the walls, refrain or limit the glass decor in the apartment and do not forget about the importance of communication with loved ones.
For centuries, an earthquake was considered the most unpredictable phenomenon: on the one hand, its occurrence does not depend on changes in weather conditions, on the other — it can occur even in the safest seismic areas. This fact once again confirms that no one is immune from an earthquake.
The Ashgabat earthquake of 1948, which occurred on the night of October 6, claimed the lives of about 170 thousand people, according to various estimates. The city itself was destroyed to the ground, only the Ashgabat Textile Mill with the tower, which became the symbol of the city, remained in relative integrity.
The number of victims is explained by the surprise and confusion of peaceful citizens, many of whom were asleep before they even had time to understand what had happened. And what was built over the years was destroyed overnight.
Modern technologies help residents of mountain seismically active areas get rid of fear: designing "swaying" high-rise buildings that suppress seismic waves and their impact helps to deal with the effects of the elements and tremors of even 8 point magnitude.
ORIENT
Photo: unsplash.com
