Indonesia is a country that is prone to earthquakes. Therefore, mother and families need to know how to deal with earthquakes, in order to save themselves from the dangers of this disaster.
Unlike floods that can be anticipated, earthquakes are difficult to know when they will occur, and cannot be predicted. Even so, you can still do several ways so that you and your family are protected from unwanted things. Want to know what the preparations are? Come on, see this article.
Earthquake Friendly House
Inviting families to study and prepare themselves before an earthquake occurs is expected to make everyone more prepared to face this disaster, especially if you and your family live in an earthquake-prone area.
Some things you and your family can do to make your home safer against earthquakes are:
1. Arrange the furniture well
Mom and Dad can arrange the house so that it is safer in the event of an earthquake. For example, by placing objects that are prone to breakage on the bottom and keeping heavy displays, such as paintings and mirrors, away from places where people sit or sleep.
The goal is that these objects do not fall on the occupants of the house when the earthquake occurs. When taking cover, try to protect the head and face with a pillow or other object so that the head and face are completely protected.
2. Prepare a disaster preparedness bag
Prepare a disaster preparedness bag containing emergency supplies, such as food, clothing, and a first aid kit, which may be needed for at least 3 days until help arrives.
Make sure all family members know where this bag is so that it can be carried easily. Mom and Dad can also prepare similar bags at work and private vehicles.
3. Know the shelter
Identify any places in each room that are safe to use as shelter during an earthquake. Tell the family to take shelter in these places, such as sheltering under sturdy furniture such as sturdy tables and chairs.
In addition to taking shelter in a safe place, leaning against a wall in the corner of the building is also recommended. Instead, avoid taking cover near cabinets or other furniture that could potentially fall.
4. Conducting simulations to deal with disasters
There is nothing wrong with doing a simple evacuation simulation at home. Starting from how to take shelter in the house, to evacuate outside the room, to learn to do first aid in an accident. This is an important part of preparing for an earthquake.
5. Keep a list of important numbers
Take note of important numbers such as hospitals, ambulances, police, fire departments, or government agencies. Teach children to do this and tell them how to call the numbers. The goal is for them to know what to do in an emergency.
How to Protect Yourself from Earthquake
Apart from creating an earthquake-friendly home environment, it is also important to educate family members on how to protect themselves from earthquakes. Among them:
1. Looking for a safe place
In the event of an earthquake, try to duck, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops. Take a squat or prone position. Protect your head and neck with your hands. Slowly crawl over to a sturdy piece of furniture such as a table and take cover under it.
If you or your family are in a tall building, stay away from windows and walls. do the same protection, namely looking for sturdy furniture that can be used as a place to take shelter.
2. Telling someone you can count on
If trapped in a house or other building, try to provide news of whereabouts to those closest to you. If you have your cell phone with you, text someone you can count on.
In addition to texting, try hitting a pipe or wall, or if you're carrying a whistle, blow the whistle so that the rescue team rushes to help and evacuate.
3. Stay away from buildings and look for open places
If the earthquake occurs while outdoors, find an open area and stay away from buildings, trees, bridges, overpasses, or cables. If in a vehicle, pull over and stop. Stay in a safe place during the earthquake. Watch out for aftershocks, which can sometimes be stronger.
4. Determine the meeting point
If necessary, determine a place where the family can meet after escaping. This is useful if Mom, Dad, and family members are not in the same place or apart during an earthquake.
These methods may seem easy, but they are definitely hard to do when disaster strikes. However, by knowing how to deal with earthquakes, you and your family are expected to be able to survive the dangers of disaster.