How to behave in the event of an earthquake. Memo from the Ministry of Emergency Situations: how to behave during an earthquake

A professional survival instructor told how to survive during an earthquake on the MIR 24 TV channel. Alexey Sedoy.

– How to behave so as not to end up under the rubble?

Alexey Sedoy: There are three classic scenarios: before, during and after the event. Information about an earthquake is either delayed or arrives simultaneously with it. We must remember that an earthquake never occurs immediately at its maximum - small tremors occur first. Therefore, if you quickly find your bearings, you can take a safer place.

Pets sense the approach of various natural disasters. If you notice strange behavior in your animal, you can call two or three animal friends and find out how their pets are behaving now. A changed behavior pattern of an animal is one of the signs that some natural phenomenon is approaching. If you are in the apartment at this moment, leave it immediately.

– What to do during the first tremors? Do you have to immediately run outside?

Alexey Sedoy: It depends on the house and how worn it is. There are earthquake-resistant and non-earthquake-resistant houses.

– Are there any safe places inside the house?

Alexey Sedoy: Conditionally safe places are considered to be a doorway in a load-bearing wall and small rooms, for example, toilets and a bathroom. The bathtub itself can also save you, because the floor slab falls on the sides of the bathtub when it falls. In any case, the first thing you need to do is grab your passport and mobile phone. At the same time, in any extreme situation, whether you are lost in the forest or caught in an earthquake, do not waste your phone’s charge, keep it dry and communicate only with rescuers.

– The United States holds annual earthquake drills. There they teach, among other things, to cover your head and neck with your hands. Is that necessary?

Alexey Sedoy: Yes, this is correct practice. Another correct position is to lie on your side, looking down and covering your neck with your hands. This way you protect vital organs.

– What are the chances of survival for residents of the upper floors of multi-storey buildings?

Alexey Sedoy: In any case, the elevator must not be used during evacuation.

– What to do if an earthquake hits you while driving a car?

Alexey Sedoy: You must stop immediately, get out of the car, and leave the roadway. If you are on the border of a populated area, then you need to go to the side of the road. If you are in locality, then two or three (up to 10) cars need to block the intersection and stay inside this safe space. On the street you need to save yourself at an intersection. The middle of an intersection, especially one blocked by cars, is the safest place.

Earthquakes may seem like an insurmountable force to us - however, world experience proves that appropriate preparations and correct behavior during an earthquake save lives!

Danger

Our region has experienced devastating earthquakes more than once, and according to experts, it will continue to experience them in the future. An earthquake cannot be predicted in advance, it could happen tomorrow, in a month or in a few years, but one thing is clear - a powerful earthquake will happen in Israel, and it is necessary to prepare for it in advance. Experience gathered around the world proves that preparatory measures, accepted by the population, and correct behavior during an emergency save lives and protect property.

Experience shows that the main threat and the main cause of damage and destruction is not the earthquake itself, but its consequences, such as sudden shifts of ground rocks, collapse of buildings and structures, movement and fall of furniture and household items, glass fragments, flooding and gas leaks. Incorrect behavior of earthquake victims also poses a danger to themselves and others.

How to prepare for earthquake

Preparation in advance:

Find a safe place in the house, away from external walls; if you have a MAMAD in your apartment ( bomb shelter, fortified room, etc. At worst, the bathroom is suitable, because... it is usually made “monolithic”, i.e. all walls are “load-bearing” - note website ), it should be preferred to all other rooms
Show all family members where the electrical plugs and main gas and water valves are located and how to turn them off
Familiarize yourself with fire and emergency exits, if any.
It is recommended to designate a designated collection point for family members; if an earthquake hits you in different places
Any moving, falling or breaking object is a source of danger. Prepare your home accordingly
Earthquakes destroy infrastructure: roads and bridges collapse, electrical and telephone wires, water and gas pipes break. This makes it difficult for rescue teams to access the affected area in general and each affected building in particular. Prepare in advance emergency bag (for example, - approx. website) - this will allow you to survive for 24-72 hours until help arrives.

How to identify an earthquake:
First of all, the furniture will begin to move, first vibrating and then swaying from side to side. The feeling is often described as being like being on a rocking ship. Others say they felt like the ground (floor, stairwell, etc.) was simply disappearing from under their feet. The first seconds are critical for survival. Don't hesitate - stay cool and react quickly.

Building integrity:
The best way to prevent loss of life and property is to make sure the home we live in can withstand an earthquake. It is therefore recommended that the building be inspected by a professional structural engineer who can determine whether it meets the requirements of the Israeli Seismic Resistance Standard (IS 413). Buildings built before 1980, as a rule, do not meet these requirements. If your building does not meet them, you should take measures to strengthen it, and as soon as possible!
The All-Israel Plan for Seismic Strengthening of Buildings (TAMA 38) provides a legal basis for obtaining building permits for strengthening buildings against earthquakes, and encourages their use by issuing rights to builders to build additional space in exchange for financing, even partial, strengthening work. This plan is especially applicable to buildings whose building permits were issued before 1.1.1980. For more information on the TAMA 38 plan, contact the appropriate service.

Home preparation:
Most earthquake injuries are caused by collapsing shelves and falling heavy objects, as well as fires and gas leaks. Therefore, it is recommended to take care of the following today:

attach cabinets, bookshelves and televisions to walls
strengthen the fastenings of boilers, heating tanks, gas cylinders, air conditioners and their compressors
keep hazardous and flammable substances locked up and away from heat sources;
place heavy objects as close to the floor as possible.
Family training:
With the help of family members and in accordance with the above instructions, find the safest places at home and at work where you will take refuge in the event of an earthquake: for example, MAMAD, a stairwell in a multi-story building, an open space outside in a private house or apartment on the ground floor ;
Familiarize all family members with the location of electrical plugs and main water and gas taps and how to turn them off;
Set up a designated meeting place outside for family members. Agree on a person outside the family that family members will contact if they lose contact with each other;
It is recommended to conduct periodic family exercises to test earthquake preparedness.

Emergency equipment:
Prepare ahead of time and store them in an accessible, protected place. Prepared supplies should include:

– a supply of drinking water (at least 4 liters per person) and canned ready-to-eat food of the types usually available at home; periodically refresh the stock before the expiration date of the products;
Necessary equipment - self-powered, necessary medications, spare glasses, baby products;
Important documents – papers or electronic copies of medical documents, identification cards, personal and financial documents; store them outside the home.

How to behave during an earthquake

How do I know there is an earthquake?
At the moment of an earthquake, you will feel the floor moving under your feet, window panes shaking in their frames, furniture and household items will begin to move strangely, hanging lamps and lamps will begin to swing from the ceiling, and your balance and ability to move will be disturbed by this strange movement. The sensation is reminiscent of being on the deck of a ship in a rocky state.

You can purchase special devices that give warning a few seconds before an earthquake, allowing you to take cover.

If you are indoors and feel the floor shaking under your feet, move to a safe place as soon as possible - in the following order of priorities:

Go outside - if you can leave the building immediately (within a few seconds), do it - go out into the open!
In a protected space (MAMAD) or stairwell - if you cannot go outside within a few seconds, take refuge in your MAMAD. If there is none in your apartment, go out to the stairwell and stay there until the earthquake stops (applies to multi-story buildings and other buildings that cannot be left within a few seconds)
Take shelter under a sturdy table or in the inner corner of the room – if you cannot immediately go outside or take shelter in a MAMAD or stairwell, take shelter under a sturdy table or in the inner corner of the room.

Additional instructions to (after you have taken refuge in a safe place, in accordance with the instructions outlined above):

Stay away from outside walls, windows and shelves
Cover yourself as follows: get on all fours, close to the floor, and cover your head and face with your hands
If you are in a wheelchair, lock the wheels and cover your head
Do not use the elevator during an earthquake - you may get stuck in the elevator.

On the street:

If an earthquake strikes you outdoors, stay in open areas and stay as far away from buildings as possible. The safest place is in the open!
Beware of falling objects - wall cladding, air conditioning compressors, broken glass and broken electrical wires.

If you are in a car:

If an earthquake catches you in a car, stop immediately and wait in the car until the earthquake is over; the car body will protect you
Do not stop the car under bridges, next to high-rise buildings and under steep slopes, due to the danger of collapses. You should drive or move away from such objects.

If you are by the sea:

If an earthquake catches you on the seashore, leave the area immediately and stay as far from the sea as possible to avoid tsunami waves that may cover the shore
A sudden and sharp low tide is a sign of an approaching tsunami wave.

Preparing in advance will help you stay cool and act effectively. It is recommended to conduct drills on all the above steps at least twice a year so that in the event of an emergency your response will be automatic.

How to behave after an earthquake

Do not light a fire or turn on electricity (lights or electrical appliances) - in the event of a gas leak, a spark may cause an explosion
Leave the building and stay in an open area, away from buildings and structures
Before leaving your home, close the main gas valve and turn off the electricity to your apartment. It is also recommended to close the main gas valve that supplies the entire house. The gas supply will only be restored by a qualified technician after an inspection has determined that the supply system and taps supplying it to customers in the building are in good working order and have been properly turned off.
Do not enter damaged structures without permission from a civil engineer (except for search and rescue purposes)
Listen to the radio (for example, in your car) for information and instructions.

Victims buried under rubble:

If there are people buried under rubble near you, make a sober assessment of the situation and try to save them using household equipment for lifting heavy objects (such as car jacks and crowbars). If possible, provide first aid
If you yourself are buried in rubble, try to save yourself. Cover your mouth and nose with clothing to protect your respiratory tract from dust and do not tire yourself out by screaming. Knock on pipes or walls to alert rescuers to your location. Don't light the fire!

Aftershocks:
Be prepared for repeated seismic tremors (aftershocks). They can appear minutes, days or even months after the main earthquake and can cause the collapse of buildings weakened by the main shock.

Memo from the Ministry of Emergency Situations: how to behave during an earthquake.

1. Conduct a detailed discussion in your family about the possibility of an earthquake, draw up and ask your family to remember well a plan for gathering the whole family after an earthquake. Designate a collection point in an open area near your home.
2. Plan in advance the most economical and safe way to exit the premises in the event of an earthquake. Remember that it can happen at night when the lights are off; stairwells, corridors, and doors will be crowded with people.
3. Determine in advance the safest places in the apartment (house): internal corners main walls and entrance door openings, places under the beams of the building frame (seismic belt), tables, beds. 4. Teach children how to act during an earthquake, teach them to take a safe place.
5. Check the condition of your home - ceilings, roofing, chimney, condition of electrical wiring and gas pipes. Determine what measures are required to strengthen it.
6. Provide the apartment (house) with the possibility of a quick exit, remove unnecessary, disturbing things from the corridors and passages.
7. Sleeping places should be located away from large windows, glass partitions, and mirrors that could fall. Do not place shelves above beds and sofas.
8. Do not store flammable or toxic liquids in the apartment, or store them in a safe place where they cannot spill.
9. Have a first aid kit ready and know how to provide it. If you take any medications regularly, have a supply of them.
10. Always have a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, a supply of batteries, and matches ready.
11. Find out how gas, electricity and water are turned off in your apartment (house). If you need a wrench to shut off a line, place or tie it near the valve you want to shut off.
12. It is advisable to store documents, especially valuable ones and items made of precious metals in a place in the bag so that you can quickly take them with you if necessary.
13. When creating a stock of canned foods and drinks, count on the first 3 - 5 days. All this can be put in a backpack or bag and stored in a visible place.

What priority actions should be taken in the event of an earthquake:

When receiving an alarm. Depending on the specific situation and developments, please take into account following tips and recommendations for surviving an earthquake: -- turn on the radio, television, any source of live broadcasting to finally confirm the serious threat of an earthquake, as well as receive recommendations for actions and latest information about the current situation; -- inform loved ones, relatives, neighbors, people within reach about the threat of a disaster, while limiting in short phrases without unnecessary emotions, saving time and without panicking others. It is best to limit yourself to advice to turn on the radio or TV to get more complete information; -- gather all your family members with whom you live to distribute responsibilities for gathering and preparing for a possible evacuation;

What to do if you need to evacuate:

1. Pack essentials, passports, other important documents, money, and valuables into a backpack or any container convenient for you. 2. Fill a container with water and prepare a small amount of canned food; 3. Prepare the apartment for conservation (lock and latch all windows, balconies, turn off gas and water, turn off electrical appliances from the network), lock the entrance doors; 4. Take, if available, personal protective equipment (respirators, gas masks, gauze bandages, etc.); 5. Take clothes (necessarily a warm set); 6. At the first shocks, try to leave the building as quickly as possible. Every second counts in such a situation. It is strictly not recommended to use the elevator - only by stairs! 7. Run out of the house quickly, but carefully. Beware of debris, electrical wires and other hazards. 8. Move further away from buildings and power lines, open space with clear skies saves 90 percent of your life in the event of an earthquake. Listen to information on the receiver about the development of the situation. 9. Provide assistance to the disabled in the area, the elderly and sick, and help other people who need help.

If a person did not have time to evacuate from the apartment, what should he do to save his life and the lives of loved ones:

1. If you were unable to leave the apartment, stand in the doorway or in the corner of the room (near the load-bearing wall). As far as possible from windows, chandeliers, hanging shelves, mirrors, cabinets. If you don’t know what a load-bearing wall is or it’s much easier for you to lie down, then settle down under a table or bed, while you warn yourself from collapsed pieces of plaster, bricks, broken glass and other troubles, turn away from the window, cover your head with your hands . Leave corner rooms immediately if you are above the second floor. 2. After the main impact of the earthquake, if you and those who were nearby were spared the trouble and you can move, try to leave the building as quickly as possible, pressing your back against the wall, if they are still there. Along the way, someone may need help, depending on your physical condition, provide all possible first aid to the victims, help other people with the evacuation, if it is within your power. 3. Be careful when seeking and providing help. There may be repeated earthquakes, so assess the situation soberly, without giving in to panic, make a decision - go to help or stay on the street. 4. If an earthquake catches you driving, stop, leave the car or motorcycle until the tremors end. If you find yourself in public transport, do not panic, ask the driver to stop and open the doors if he has not done so himself. It is advisable to leave the salon after shocks.
5. If an earthquake hits you railway, do not panic, in this case everything depends largely on the drivers and the work of specially trained people to prevent accidents. Grab the handrails, wait for notifications from the driver, and during an emergency evacuation, follow everyone, avoiding panic and crush.

General attitude: calm, self-control, clear, calculated actions. You need to remember that an earthquake will almost certainly take you by surprise and may plunge you into a state of shock. The main thing is to get out of the state of shock as quickly as possible and move on to thoughtful actions. If you know in advance what to do in a given situation, it will be easier for you to remain calm and thereby help yourself and those around you.

Your calm will instill confidence in those around you. Ill-considered actions in a state of panic can worsen your situation and cause harm to others. Heart-rending screams and cries of despair are easily transmitted to others and create an atmosphere of general panic. Smirnov A.T., Frolov M.P., Litvinov E.N., Bogoyavlensky I.F., Petrov S.V.. Fundamentals of life safety: Textbook / A.T. Smirnov. - M.: Publishing house AST-LTD, 2007. - 232 p.

Remember that even during catastrophic earthquakes, buildings do not collapse immediately. It is known that during the Spitak earthquake of 1988 in Stepanavan (9 points), the building of boarding school No. 21 was completely destroyed, but not a single child or teacher was injured, because at the first weak tremors, they immediately left the building through the doors and windows. Analysis of the destruction in Gyumri (9 points) showed that 10-story buildings began to collapse 10-12 seconds after the first shock. Don't panic - you have time to take some action to save yourself.

In addition, during any earthquake, only a small part of the population is located in the epicentral zone - the majority will experience the echoes of a given earthquake. The likelihood that you are at the epicenter is extremely low. But don’t be careless: you can be seriously injured even during a magnitude 6 earthquake if a cabinet or poorly secured shelf with books falls on you.

Capable men and women, remember that children, the elderly and the sick need your help. By focusing on the needs of others, you will free yourself from fear for your life and be able to act more calmly.

Children, the elderly and the sick, know that those who are stronger think about you; don’t scream or wail, don’t stop them from helping you.

And the main instruction for everyone: know that professionals from rescue services are already rushing to your aid. Do not give in to despair even in seemingly hopeless situations. They will save you, they will definitely save you.

Any natural disaster causes panic among the population. In order to avoid wrong actions, every person should know exactly how to behave during such situations. One of the most common is earthquakes. It is impossible to prevent it, but you can save your life. The main thing is not to succumb to public panic and maintain a sober mind. But to understand what to do during an earthquake, you need to know what this cataclysm is.

More about the phenomenon

Earthquakes occur due to vibrations and tremors of the Earth's surface; they are caused by tectonic processes or can be provoked during a strong explosion. In fact, such phenomena occur quite often on our planet, but not all lead to catastrophic consequences. Many occur under the thickness of the oceans, and we simply do not feel them. In any case, everyone should know what to do in case of an earthquake. Whether you save your life or not directly depends on the correctness of your actions.

Some earthquakes underwater cause strong tsunamis that hit with powerful force and kill millions of people. Humanity will never be able to control geophysical planetary processes. That is why there are services that monitor the development of a future disaster and take appropriate measures to save the population.

Classification of earthquakes depending on points

There is a specialized earthquake scale that measures magnitude and intensity. The latter is calculated by points, which are determined by deformation earth's crust and the degree of destruction of surface buildings and structures. Let's consider a more detailed twelve-point Mercalli scale:

1 - Such tremors are completely unnoticed by people; only high-precision devices react to minor vibrations in the earth’s crust.
2 - Vibrations are felt by residents of high-rise buildings. Others will not pay attention to this phenomenon.
3 - Noticeable vibration occurs on the top floors of a high-rise building. Chandeliers may sway, water in a glass may tremble. A car parked in a parking lot will set off the alarm due to noticeable vibrations.
4 - Can be described as a moderate earthquake. Everyone who is in the room will definitely feel the movement of the earth's plates. Doors and windows begin to loosen, and the glass makes a characteristic rattling sound. This is especially noticeable in the middle of the night, many people wake up.
5 - Such an earthquake does not go unnoticed; everyone feels the vibrations of the earth's surface. In many apartments, cracks appear on the windows and objects fall from the shelves.
6 - Fluctuations cause public panic. Everyone starts running out into the streets, and pieces of furniture move around the apartment on their own. Heavy objects fall from shelves. Even the trees emit a characteristic rustling of leaves, and the cracking of trunks can be heard.
7 - An earthquake strong enough to knock a person off his feet. Many buildings are covered in cracks, and unstable soil is collapsing. The water in lakes and rivers suddenly becomes cloudy from silt raised from the bottom. Furniture breaks, dishes break.
8 - An earthquake that destroys buildings. Branches on trees break, the ground cracks underfoot.

9 - A catastrophic situation during which buildings are destroyed and many people die. Dams are collapsing and water pipes are bursting under pressure.
10 - The earth doesn't just shake, it moves, and entire cities collapse. As a rule, a couple of hours before a disaster, animals begin to panic, anticipating imminent death. Huge cracks form in the soil, and water splashes out of rivers and lakes. Rails can be deformed.
11 - Almost all buildings are destroyed, only a few buildings manage to survive. Railway tracks are deformed for kilometers.
12 - A real catastrophe that destroys all living things. Even river beds change, and out of the blue, fountains begin to burst out of the ground. Completely new lakes are formed, the landscape is transformed beyond recognition.

The higher the scale of earthquakes, the more difficult it is to correct the consequences. During major disasters, entire cities are destroyed and people are left homeless. Their houses turn into ruins, and rescuers take a long time to retrieve the bodies of the dead from under the rubble.

How is magnitude determined?

The magnitude of earthquakes is determined based on the data obtained from the exact measuring device- seismograph. Its more common name is the Richter scale. It was developed back in 1935, and since then has been widely used by specialists around the world. It is the amount of energy that is released during a disaster that is taken into account in this scale.

Below are the main figures by which the magnitude of any earthquake is determined:

2.0 - very weak tremors that not all residents are able to notice;
4.5 - moderate vibrations of the earth, causing movement of objects and minor destruction;
6.0 - shocks of such force that buildings are destroyed (during them it is difficult for people to stand on their feet);
8.5 - catastrophic consequences (entire cities literally turn into piles of garbage).

Scientists believe that cataclysms with a magnitude higher than 9.0 cannot occur on the planet.

It's better to prevent than to fix it later

Proper protection of the population from earthquakes significantly reduces the overall percentage of victims. If a possible source of a future disaster is identified, then people must be evacuated. But in any case, everyone must take care of their own safety. You need to be prepared at all times for such an incident and know exactly what to do in the event of an earthquake.

First, take preparatory measures to help cope with panic and unforeseen natural disasters. If you live in a seismic zone, you should definitely have a standard set of items at home that are designed to survive in a dangerous situation. Be sure to collect all documents and keep them in a visible place.

The most important rules

Let's consider the basic measures to prepare for a disaster, as well as what to do in case of an earthquake:

A first aid kit with all necessary medications should always be in a visible place in your home. Be sure to put a lighter and a battery-powered radio in there.
Buy a small fire extinguisher and check that it is working properly.
Situations may be different, so it is better to know the basic rules of first aid. In an emergency, you must be able to independently help others and yourself, take the necessary medications and apply splints to the fracture sites.
At the slightest shock, immediately turn off the taps that supply gas, water and electricity to your home.
It is better to securely attach heavy furniture to the floor so as not to be crushed by your favorite wardrobe.
Always keep the action and evacuation plan in sight, think about where it is best to hide with all family members.
Do not keep heavy or breakable items on shelves.
Have a supply of water (at least a small flask with you).

Earthquake Actions and Safety Rules

Each person primarily provides for himself own safety during an earthquake. If you feel tremors, then you should not try to move in a state of panic. If you are indoors, it is better to immediately choose a safe corner and lie down on the floor. Do not forget to protect your head with your hands from possible fragments and falling objects. Do not get up until you are sure that the shaking has completely stopped.

According to statistics, many people die from falling objects. These are cabinets, televisions, heavy figurines, etc. You can escape from a collapsing building, the main thing is to choose the right tactics. In any case, remain calm and do not run outside or indoors.

Follow all the earthquake rules that are developed by rescuers, and then you will save your own life. Be sure to lie down on the floor and move only by crawling. Standing on your feet will likely cause you much more serious damage.

If you live in a dilapidated brick building, then at the slightest shock, grab your documents and run outside. Try to avoid standing near high-rise buildings and trees, find an open, safe area.

Unusual situations and how to survive them

Follow all earthquake safety precautions. If you are on crowded public transport, it is better to leave it and take a horizontal position.

Even being in an elevator requires that a person lie down on the floor. This way you can protect yourself. As soon as everything stops, exit on the first floor and run outside. If the doors are blocked and you feel that the building has undergone significant damage, wait for help from rescuers.

While in a stadium or theater, stay still and cover your head with your hands. In such a situation, there is a high risk of dying from a crush, so do not panic and try to calm those around you.

If you are driving, turn off the car in a safe place. There should be no buildings or bridges nearby. After this, do not go outside, stay in the car. The best thing to do is turn on the radio and listen to the authorities' recommendations on what to do next.

Every urban citizen should know earthquake safety rules. If your home is located near a dam, move to a safe distance from it. When in mountainous areas, take care to stay as far away from high ground as possible.

A person who moves in a wheelchair must block the wheels of the wheelchair, otherwise they will begin to spin on their own, and such an uncontrollable situation will lead to unpleasant consequences.

Compliance with the above rules will ensure maximum safety during earthquakes.

What is prohibited?

Most people die due to wrong actions. They unknowingly put their lives in great danger. Remember what not to do during an earthquake:

do not move around the building and do not try to run out into the street if you live on the top floor;
Do not stand in doorways under any circumstances;
do not panic and act without fuss.

These actions will definitely provoke unfavorable situations that will threaten your life. Now you know what to do during an earthquake and how best not to behave.

Basic actions after an earthquake

Protecting the population from earthquakes is not always successful; the consequences of a disaster are often terrible and require rescuers to work around the clock. Specialists rescue people from the rubble and provide emergency assistance. medical care. If you hear people talking not far from you, but cannot move, then be sure to give a sign and shout with all your might.

The rubble is cleared after the population is rescued. It is used to remove debris from destroyed structures.

If a disaster does occur, what should you do? Rescuers advise to behave as follows:

Try to stand on your feet and examine all parts of your body, you may have
Look around, find out if there are people near you who cannot get up on their own. Help them get out from under the rubble.
Reassure the children and keep them in sight, explain that the parents will be found soon. It is necessary to take care of the kids until child psychologists and other specialized help arrive.
Check for a gas leak and leave the room at the slightest smell (an explosion may occur).
Don't panic and be prepared for aftershocks.

Only confident actions will save your life. You should always know exactly what to do in case of an earthquake. Turn on the radio whenever possible. Listen carefully to what to do during an earthquake. State rescue services contact the population at the slightest danger. This is the only way to prevent large-scale human losses.

The main thing is to behave correctly and be able to reassure others. Panic makes the situation worse. Only well-thought-out actions save people's lives.

The most destructive earthquakes in history

1139 - disaster in Ganja. The force of the shock was 11 points. More than 200 thousand people died.
1202 - natural disaster in Syria and Egypt. About 1 million people died. The earthquake is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the most destructive in history.
1556 - about 850 thousand people became victims.
1737 - as a result of strong tremors in India, about 300 thousand people died.
1883 - The eruption of the Krakatoa volcano resulted in one of the largest earthquakes in history. More than 40 thousand inhabitants of the islands of Java and Sumatra died.
1950 - the earthquake in India was so strong that seismic instruments went off scale and were unable to determine the magnitude of the vibrations. After five days of continuous tremors, the eastern part of India was reduced to ruins. 6 thousand people died because the shaking was not in a densely populated area.
1995 - earthquakes measuring 10 points claimed the lives of many thousands of Sakhalin residents. The city of Neftegorsk disappeared from the face of the Earth.
2010 - shaking in Haiti. 150 thousand people died.
2011 - a terrible earthquake in Japan caused a tsunami, a significant radiation leak and the death of about 30 thousand people.

Earthquake - tremors and vibrations of the earth's surface that occur underground. They arise as a result of displacement or rupture of the earth's crust or its mantle. The strength of earthquakes is assessed using a twelve-point system:

a land earthquake that is not felt by people. It can only be determined using special instruments.
can only be felt on the upper floors of multi-story buildings.
some people may feel slight vibrations.
All people feel the vibrations of the earth's surface, and the window panes rattle.
strong vibrations are felt even by sleeping people, and chandeliers in the building may wobble.
Earth tremors lead to cracks in buildings.
Large cracks form in buildings, and chimneys on houses may collapse.
walls may partially collapse, cornices and chimneys may fall.
walls and ceilings of buildings fall.
All buildings collapse and cracks form in the ground.
The earth's crust is covered with continuous large cracks.
the terrain changes.

During an earthquake, the tremors of the earth's crust do not last long - a few minutes. The most important thing in this situation is to endure and remain calm. You must understand that you will not change anything. All that remains is to wait. By remaining calm, you set an example for others who are scared and confused.

How to behave during an earthquake

When buildings are shaking, you need to remember that the greatest danger is from falling objects. You should react immediately and hide under any low objects: table, bed. This will help save life in case of a possible collapse of the ceiling or wall. You should not run and shout. By doing this, you can only further scare those around you who are already afraid. You need to stay away from the windows and doors of the room. Under no circumstances should you move while pushing. You should wait out the shock and only then look for a safe place.

It is important to know how to behave not only during an earthquake, but also after it. You need to maintain composure and calm. If the shocks were strong, then there will be destruction, which means there may be injuries. Do not leave a wounded person without help. Try to pull it out if it is blocked. If you do not have enough strength for this, call for help. Talk to the victim, reassure him, promise that everything will be fine.

How to behave after an earthquake

There may be fires. Don’t pass by, be sure to take measures to extinguish it.

You should handle broken electrical wires with extreme caution.

You shouldn't sit and wait for an earthquake. It’s not for nothing that they say: “Armed means forewarned”! Therefore, you should prepare for an earthquake in advance. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, you should plan ahead in case of a disaster.

Carefully read the rules of conduct during natural disasters, remember and adhere to them in the event of a natural disaster. Remember, your life and the lives of the people around you will depend on how skillfully and calmly you act.

16.10.2013 19:20