Earthquake Safety Guide, College Students

Natural disasters are unpredictable. Anything can go wrong, during a time you least expect it to happen. One of these common natural disasters is earthquakes. Earthquakes are among the most unpredictable natural disasters known to man.

Such disasters can happen anywhere, even on college campuses. Having a contingency plan for such emergencies can help one cope and stay safe, inside and outside the campus. Here are some of the basic earthquake safety tips to keep you safe during natural disasters like earthquakes.

Basic Earthquake Safety Guide On And Off-Campus For College Students

As the saying goes, nothing is wrong with being prepared. Here are some earthquake preparedness tips a college student can do to stay safe during an earthquake and other natural disasters:

Organize A Go-Bag

Organize your basic survival supplies in a bag and have them placed in convenient locations. In some cases preparing more than one go-bag gives you that extra assurance wherever you go. Keep one inside your bedroom and one inside your car. Go bags are today’s basic emergency kits. 

Have a first aid kit, medications, bottled water, high-energy food bars, flashlight, shoes, and cash inside your go-bag. You can also add matchsticks and a few pieces of clothing. Includes items that can help you survive a damaging earthquake for at least 24 hours without rescue.

Secure Your Space

Prevention is better than cure. To increase the chances of surviving a disastrous earthquake, reduce the hazards that can cause higher risks on your end. Move heavy items to the ground or on the lower shelves. Bolt and secure movable items as much as possible. Bunk beds, a common feature in college dormitories, should be strapped together.

Create A Disaster Plan

A disaster plan can help you decide where to go and what to do in the event of an emergency or an earthquake. Know who to communicate with during an emergency. When living on campus, know the evacuation procedures of your dorm. Basic first aid knowledge can be very helpful too during an emergency like an earthquake. Have an out-of-state contact and coordinate with your family your steps and plans in the event of such emergencies.

Know Where To Regroup

There is no telling when and how severe an earthquake may hit. It can happen any time of the day, in different places, again, when you least expect it to happen. To survive, post a disastrous earthquake plan ahead. This includes where to go and who to contact after an earthquake hits.

Some places are usually assigned as evacuation centers or ideal places to go in the event of an earthquake. Ensure that your family, friends, classmates, and teachers are fully aware of these places where you can regroup, in case the chaos during the earthquake separates you from each other. Agree to meet up in a specific place to avoid the stress of locating each other after an earthquake hits.

What To Do During An Earthquake

Preparing for an earthquake emergency and the contingency plans you have after the earthquake is essential. But, to survive one, you need to be equipped with facts and practices that can help you survive during the actual earthquake.

Duck, cover, and hold. This is the basic survival tip when dealing with earthquakes. Ideally, you should stay away from windows and exterior doors. Anything that can break and fall during an earthquake should be avoided.

When located in a high-rise building, remember to move against the interior wall. Avoid using the elevators. It is safer to go by foot through the stairs when leaving a high-rise building during an earthquake.

If you are outdoors, find a spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. A football field would be an ideal location to go to when you experience an earthquake at school.

Always prepare for aftershocks. This is quite very common with earthquakes. Although they are quite smaller and less intense. It can still cause serious damages and put lives at risk.

Dealing with earthquakes can be quite a difficulty, especially when you are studying far away from your family. However, increasing your chances of survival and enduring an earthquake depends on the amount of awareness and preparedness you have invested in dealing with emergencies.