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A severe earthquake can be a terrifying experience. You might be sitting in the comfort of your own home minding your own business when suddenly all the objects around you start shaking and moving around. The seismic waves are able to cause serious damage to your home and you need to take action quickly for your own safety. The unpredictability of an earthquake makes the event particularly dangerous.
It can be challenging to avoid injuries when an earthquake strikes if you’re overwhelmed with panic. Knowing what to do during the earthquake can save you from the devastating consequences of the seismic shake. It’s not easy fighting the fear instinct that tells you to flee but it’s safer to stay inside the building instead of running away outside it. If you’re forced to get through an earthquake while you’re at home, check out the best places to hide.
1. Under the Desk
The first thing that you need to do when experiencing an earthquake at home is to get down low and find some sturdy cover. It’s important to protect yourself from any falling objects around the home. Your best bet is to find a solid desk or table that you can duck under. This is a great hiding spot but it’s not perfect as large debris can break it. You just need to lessen the impact as much as possible.
2. Room With no Windows
There’s not a lot of time at your disposal when an earthquake strikes. You don’t need to search for a specific room in your home to take shelter. That being said, it would be best to hide in a room that features no windows. This lets you avoid any potential injuries caused by broken glass shards. A windowless bathroom or a walk-in closet would be great examples. Keep in mind that you should avoid running to prevent any accidents during the shaking. Head to the shelter after dropping on your hands and knees to stay low.
3. Bed
If you happen to be in bed when the earthquake starts, you should remain on it until the seismic shaking stops. It’s not a good idea to get under the bed instead. This is because there’s a risk of the bed moving violently and pinning you down. Grab a pillow to protect your head from any falling debris.
4. Closet
Is the closet a good hiding spot to use during an earthquake? It depends on a few factors. The wardrobe can provide good protection but there are some problems. If there are any objects on it, they could fall on your head. It’s probably not the most practical solution to use the closet in an earthquake unless it’s a bit prepared to work as a protective shelter.
5. Outside
It’s not recommended to run outside the home if you happen to be indoors during the earthquake. If you’re already outside, it’s best to reach an open space. Steer clear of any tall structures or other things that may pose a danger of falling and causing injuries. Avoid power lines and tree branches. In most cases, it’s better to remain inside the home during an earthquake. However, a severe earthquake might be so damaging to the house that it would be better to go outside if you have the time.
6. Door Frame
Despite popular belief, the door frame isn’t a reliable place to hide during an earthquake. The myth is perpetuated because homes in the past had a sturdier doorway compared to the rest of the structure. This is no longer true because many doorway designs can’t handle the shaking power of a severe earthquake. The only case when the door frame can be considered protective is when you know that it’s properly designed as a load-bearing doorway. This could be the last resort option if more suitable places aren’t reachable.
Do you live in an area with hurricanes or tornadoes? Learn where to hide in those situations.
