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Earthquake - Are You Prepared?

The Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to natural disasters, because of its geographical position. Earthquakes, floods and droughts are some of the common types of disasters seen in Iran. We all remember the earthquake that took place in Bam in December 2003. That earthquake killed nearly 30,000 people, injured another 31,000 and left about 75,000 homeless.

An earthquake is a trembling or shaking movement of the surface of the Earth. Earthquakes happen when the plates, or layers that form the thick surface of the earth, move. The surface of the earth moves constantly, but sometimes the movements are stronger and that’s when we can feel them.

Earthquakes happen every day, both here in Iran and around the world. Most of the time they are minor and don’t cause any damage. Earthquakes are not caused by anything that people did or did not do. They are natural occurrences and cannot be stopped.

One important thing we can do is to prepare ourselves so that when an earthquake happens, we know what to do. Being ready and knowing how to react can help save lives the next time an earthquake happens. If you have the right information, you can tell your family and everyone has a better chance of being able to escape without getting hurt.

If you feel an earthquake and you are...

• outside, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings or downed electrical wires and poles.
• on a sidewalk near buildings, try to get into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, plaster, glass and other debris.
• in a car, ask the driver to pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking has stopped.
• in a high-rise building, try to find a desk or table to hide under. If you can’t, move against an interior wall and protect your head with your arms. Do not use the elevator. Stay indoors.
• in a store or other crowded place do not rush for the exits. Move away from display shelves with objects that could fall and hurt you.
• in bed, hold on and stay there. Protect your head with a pillow.
• in the kitchen, move away from the refrigerator, stove and overhead cupboards.
• in a stadium or theatre, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Do NOT try to leave until the shaking is over. Then leave in a calm, orderly manner.