How to help in the event of an earthquake? How is an earthquake predicted? Often we insiders assume that ordinary city dwellers know what an earthquake is, how they should behave if there is an earthquake and the rules to follow.
This explains why while technicians, designers, scholars, etc. are seeking ways to mitigate the problem and protect people’s lives and safety, web users interrogate search engines to satisfy their curiosity. So we decided to answer some of their questions.
How does an earthquake occur?
An earthquake is a natural event that occurs due to a sudden movement of the earth’s crust induced by the displacement of the plates it is made up of. In fact, when the plates collide (or slide) next to each other, they cause such a strong vibration that a massive amount of energy is released that causes surface fractures (faults). The intensity of an earthquake provoked in this way will be higher the greater the fracture generated by the collision.
How is an earthquake predicted?
An earthquake is not a predictable natural event. Despite studies and continuous monitoring of the Earth’s movements, it is not possible to know for sure when an earthquake will occur. Despite advances in science, in fact, seismologists are unable to predict the force and danger of a recorded ground movement. There is no verified scientific evidence that can be used to say for certain the magnitude, the exact epicentre or the time. Consequently, it cannot be said precisely whether tremors are to be considered potentially dangerous. In conclusion, considering that earthquakes are not predictable, prevention is essential by constructing antiseismic buildings, making existing buildings safe and preparing inhabitants on how to behave during an obvious seismic event.
Where to take shelter when an earthquake strikes?
What to do in the event of an earthquake is the most frequent question, and it is often hard to remember in emergency situations. This is why it is essential to spread the antiseismic culture and continuously inform everyone. Therefore, let us try to answer the most important question: what should you do if an earthquake strikes? Where should you take shelter if an earthquake strikes?
We should behave differently, depending on where we are when an earthquake strikes:
- At home: if we are at home during an earthquake we must find shelter under sturdy furniture (tables, chairs) or against an internal wall. Stay away from bookcases or furniture that could be ruined when it falls to the ground or collapses. Avoid the stairs and elevators are forbidden.
- Outdoors: if we are outdoors during an earthquake we must stay away from buildings, trees, aerial infrastructure, bridges and overpasses.
- At school: even if we are at school, the rule to seek shelter under benches and desks still applies. Leave the building only if you are on the ground floor and near the emergency exit. At the end of the shock, wait for security personnel.
- On high floors: if the earthquake occurs while we are on a high floor of a building, we will probably feel the shock more clearly, but do not panic. Take shelter under a beam, a load-bearing wall or the architrave of a door. It is forbidden to use the elevators and if it is necessary to use the stairs, pay close attention.
Why do earthquakes always happen at night?
The fact that many of the recorded earthquakes occurred at night is merely a coincidence. In fact, there is no scientific evidence that shows any correlation between an earthquake striking and the alternation of day and night. Certainly, statistics show us a different reality, because the 2012 earthquake in Emilia-Romagna began at night with a strong tremor and the same thing happened in the summer of 2016 when the earth shook in Central Italy. Before that, there was the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, and the same can be said about the one in Friuli in 1976 and even in Messina in 1908. It is a tragic coincidence, however.
How to help in the event of an earthquake?
When an earthquake occurs solidarity kicks in and many wonder how to help the people in affected areas. In these cases, it is always a good rule to contact associations and bodies that already operate in the territory for instructions. Taking action alone or in a disorganized manner can cause more damage and prevent the proper performance of search and rescue efforts. Therefore, we always contact the relevant bodies such as the Civil Protection.
How to help in the event of an earthquake?
When an earthquake occurs solidarity kicks in and many wonder how to help the people in affected areas. In these cases, it is always a good rule to contact associations and bodies that already operate in the territory for instructions. Taking action alone or in a disorganized manner can cause more damage and prevent the proper performance of search and rescue efforts. Therefore, we always contact the relevant bodies such as the Civil Protection.
