Earthquakes can have devastating effects. They can cause damage to buildings and homes, and cause infrastructure problems. When an earthquake occurs, people are advised to stay calm, get out of the building or home if possible, and follow instructions from emergency services personnel.
The devastation caused by them is not limited to the physical damage that they cause. There are also emotional, mental, and financial consequences as well.
What is an Earthquake?
Earthquakes are a type of seismic activity that happens when the earth shakes and moves violently.
Earthquakes can happen anywhere in the world, but they are most common along the edges of tectonic plates. In addition to shaking and moving violently, earthquakes also produce seismic waves. These waves can be felt for miles around and can be recorded by seismographs.
The Earth’s surface is made up of large, rigid plates that are constantly moving. These plates are broken into smaller pieces called tectonic plates. Earthquakes happen when these tectonic plates shift, which can cause the ground to shake and sometimes result in a tsunami.
How to Prepare for an Earthquake
Earthquakes are natural disasters that can happen anywhere, at any time. They are not predictable, but it is important to be prepared for an earthquake. When earthquakes happen, the ground shakes and can cause a lot of destruction.
There are many things you can do to prepare for an earthquake. You should have an emergency kit ready to go with enough food, water, and other supplies for up to three days. You should also know where your gas shut-off valve is and how to turn off the gas if there is a leak in your house or apartment building.
Some of the other vital things you should do are:
- Secure your home by fastening anything that might fall during the quake.
- Learn how to turn off water lines in case of breakage.
- Be ready to move out of your house with all your valuables if necessary.
- Keep a first aid kit handy at all times, and be aware of potential injuries that may occur during an earthquake such as broken bones, cuts, bruises, etc.
How to Prevent Damage from Earthquakes
It is important to be prepared for earthquakes. Preparedness starts with knowing the warning signs, understanding how to protect your home, and getting your family and pets ready for an earthquake. Being prepared will ultimately minimize the amount of heavy damage an earthquake can cause.
Earthquakes can cause a lot of damage to buildings and infrastructure. The following are some of the ways in which you can try to prevent this damage:
- Install seismic retrofits on your house or building.
- Make sure that your house is bolted down to the foundation.
- Get earthquake insurance in case an earthquake does happen.
- Earthquake proof your home by installing a steel frame and making sure that it is bolted securely to the foundation.
If your home ends up with damage from an earthquake, it’s time to call damage restoration professionals who are trained in restoring residences after a natural disaster like an earthquake or even a fire.
What to Do If Your Home is Damaged by Earthquakes
Earthquakes can cause a lot of damage to your home. To avoid the risk of being caught off guard, you should know how to prepare for an earthquake and what to do if your home is damaged by one.
The first thing you should do if you are in a building when an earthquake hits is to get under something sturdy like a table or desk. If there’s no furniture nearby, try to find something that will prevent objects from falling on top of you. Stay there until the shaking stops.
If you are outside when an earthquake strikes, try to find something that will protect you from any falling debris and then stay there until the shaking stops. If it is too difficult for you to get away from the building, stay inside and move away from windows, bookcases, or heavy furniture. Don’t be fooled if you think the shaking has stopped. Earthquakes can continue for a long time after the shaking stops, so stay where you are until the shaking has stopped.
Emory Plumbing is prepared to help with any repairs that may have been caused by an earthquake. We would be happy to schedule an appointment for you today. Contact us right now! We can even give you a free quote.