Get Ready for Earthquakes

One of the most destructive phenomena of nature is an earthquake and its aftereffects. Although there are no guarantees of safety during an earthquake, identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can save lives and significantly reduce injuries and property damage.

According to Georgia Tech’s School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, 15 percent of the world’s earthquakes are scattered over areas like Georgia that lack clearly defined active faults. These earthquakes usually start with a jolt, build rapidly in amplitude within a couple of seconds, and then decay.

The total felt duration of the typical small Georgia earthquake is usually less than 10 seconds and it sounds like a muffled dynamite explosion. Although earthquakes in Georgia are comparatively rare, scattered earthquakes have caused significant damage and can be an important consideration for homeowners.

Prepare for Earthquakes

• Securely fasten shelves to walls.
• Keep large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Store breakable items in lower cabinets with doors and latches.
• Inspect and repair electrical wiring and gas connections; these can be potential fire hazards during an earthquake.
• Secure your water heater by strapping it to wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
• Check your home or building for structural defects and repair cracks in your ceiling and foundation.
• Keep toxic and flammable items securely stored in cabinets with doors and latches.
• Identify safe places in your home or office where you will ride out an earthquake. The best protection is under heavy furniture where you are protected from falling debris.
• Learn how to turn off electricity, gas and water.

Plan to Act Quickly

• During or immediately after an earthquake, the best protection is to get under heavy furniture, such as a desk, table or bench, staying away from large windows, mirrors or other glass.
• The greatest danger is directly outside buildings, at exits and along exterior walls, due to falling debris.
• If you are already outside, stay clear of buildings, power lines, overpasses and elevated expressways.
• Most deaths and injuries are due to falling walls, flying glass or debris.
• Expect aftershocks – smaller quakes (and sometimes larger ones) can often follow hours or days after the initial shake, causing further damage to weakened buildings and structures.
• Check for gas leaks – if you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing noise, open a window and leave the building immediately; turn off the gas at the outside main valve, if possible and call the gas company.

Stay Informed

• Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest information.