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Earthquakes
May 2003
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The potential for a mass casualty because of an earthquake is enhanced in any building where large numbers of people can go and gather together |
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As civil authorities, science and engineering take measures to protect people and their property against the shaking of the ground caused by earthquakes, in a similar manner people should do all they can to protect themselves and their family from such natural catastrophes |
Earthquakes as recent events have shown, can cause huge human and material losses. These natural phenomena can happen at any time and do not occur seasonally such as other natural disasters like hurricanes.
There are approximately three million earthquakes worldwide each year. Most of these earthquakes have a magnitude of 3,9 or lower on the Richter scale. Approximately 900 earthquakes have a magnitude of 5,0 or higher.
The most powerful earthquake ever recorded on earth, occurred in Chile on May 1960 and it had a magnitude of 9,5 on the Richter scale. It killed more than 2.000 people and injured more than 3.000. The material damages caused exceeded $550 million.
An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth. It is caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth's surface. The movement of the huge plate tectonics that form the Earth's surface is slow and gradual. When the plates are locked together unable to move over, under, or past each other, there is pressure mounted between them. When this pressure is big enough, the plates break free. They therefore make the ground to shake in different ways and cause ruptures among fault lines or zones of weakness.
| The shaking can be in the up and down direction or a side to side movement. The up and down movement is more rare and more violent. The side to side movement is more common and less violent. |
Earthquakes cannot be prevented. The key, under any circumstances, is appropriate planning before a disaster strikes. Science can help. Engineering provides techniques for construction that enable houses, buildings and other structures to resist to the extraordinary forces of earthquakes. Additionally seismology can geographically localize where earthquakes are likely to occur as well as their strength.
The potential for a mass casualty because of an earthquake is enhanced in any building where large numbers of people can go and gather together. Earthquake make buildings, bridges and any other structures collapse because of the ground shaking.
Building codes which take into consideration the seismic phenomena provide additional protection. However increasing urban development in vulnerable seismic areas, contribute especially if seismic building codes are not respected, to enormous damages and big losses of human lives.
As civil authorities, science and engineering take measures to protect people and their property against the shaking of the ground caused by earthquakes, in a similar manner people should do all they can to protect themselves and their family from such natural catastrophes.
| In case of an earthquake it is important to know what to do and how to protect yourself. There is a simple safety principle which is good to remember "duck, cover, and hold". |
Duck or drop to the floor and take cover under a sturdy desk or table. Grab hold of your shelter and and be prepared to move with it. Stay under cover until you are sure it's safe to come out. Protect your head and neck with your arms. Stay away from windows, mirrors, hanging lights and tall furniture. If you cannot take cover move under a doorway.
It is important for the family to have an earthquake plan. Everybody should know what to do in case of an earthquake. Everybody in the family should know how to turn off the electricity, water and gas. Safe spots in each room such as sturdy tables, desks and strong doorways should be known to all family members. Danger zones such as windows, tall furniture and bookshelves should be avoided.
You should be prepared for aftershocks which usually follow an earthquake. Ground shaking from earthquakes can collapse buildings as well as triggering landslides, avalanches, floods, fires and tsunamis. Tsunamis are large seismic sea waves. Therefore it is advised to stay away form beaches because of the danger of tsunamis.
After an earthquake and in case that your property has damages notify your insurance agent as soon as possible. Take pictures of the damaged property and keep notes.
Usually the standard homeowners or business insurance policies do not cover earthquakes. However coverage is usually available for earthquake in the form of an endorsement to a home or business insurance policy.
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