Be Prepared for an Earthquake! How to Stay as Safe as Possible

Earthquakes are natural disasters that strike without warning. Sometimes they’re so powerful they cause buildings to collapse or trigger a series of aftershocks. If you don’t know the proper way to respond, it could lead to serious injury—or worse, cost your life.

Imagine this: you’re working, watching TV, or just taking a walk when the ground suddenly starts shaking hard under your feet. Things fall off shelves, glass breaks with a loud crash, and people around you panic and try to run away. What would you do?

Don’t worry—today, ACU PAY is here to walk you through the complete guide on how to survive an earthquake, covering what to do before, during, and after it happens to help keep you and your loved ones as safe as possible.

Before an Earthquake – Be Prepared

Inspect your home’s structure: If you live in an at-risk area, make sure your house or building is strong and secure.
Make your home safer: Attach bookshelves, cabinets, and heavy furniture to the wall. Keep breakable items in locked cabinets.
Prepare an emergency bag: Include drinking water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, spare batteries, necessary medications, and copies of important documents. Keep it somewhere easy to grab.
Create an emergency plan with your family: Choose a safe meeting point like an open field or park, and practice your escape plan regularly.

During an Earthquake – Stay Calm and Act Correctly

If you’re indoors

Use the “Drop, Cover, Hold” method:

Drop under a sturdy table.

Cover your head and body with your arms or a cushion.

Hold onto the table until the shaking stops.

Stay away from windows, glass, and hanging objects.
Do not use elevators—they may get stuck or malfunction.
In high-rise buildings, shaking may last over 20 seconds. Stay calm and wait until it’s safe to evacuate.

If you’re outdoors

Move to an open area away from tall buildings, power poles, and billboards.
Watch out for falling parts from buildings.

If you’re in a vehicle

Pull over in a safe place away from bridges, tunnels, or power poles.
Stay inside the car until the shaking stops.

If you’re near the sea

Move to higher ground immediately as a tsunami could follow.

After an Earthquake – Stay Alert and Watch for Aftershocks

Watch for aftershocks: Be ready to take cover again if the shaking starts again.
Inspect your home/building: Check for cracks or structural damage. Leave immediately if it’s unsafe.
Be cautious of gas leaks or electrical hazards: If you smell gas, don’t use open flames and shut off the gas valve right away.
Stay informed: Listen to the radio for updates from the Meteorological Department or local authorities.
Help others: If you’re safe, help anyone injured or call rescue services.

First Aid for Head Injuries from Falling Objects

If bleeding: Use a clean cloth to apply pressure and stop the bleeding.
If swollen: Apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.
If unconscious: Don’t move the person. Call emergency services (dial 1669).
If symptoms worsen (severe headache, vomiting, or double vision), go to the hospital immediately.