Earthquake damage & safety
What does happen and how to keep
yourself safe
Earthquake damage
Most are surprised when they learn what is
considered safe and unsafe in an
earthquake.
You are better off being in open fields
during an earthquake, rather than near or in
structures.
Most earthquake deaths are a result of the
disasters and effects that result from
earthquakes.
What happens?
Structures with weak
support and without
ability to withstand
earthquake motion
will collapse.
Buildings that are built
on looser soil are also
more susceptible to
damage, because L
waves affect looser
soil much more.
…continued
Buildings can topple onto
smaller buildings.
Fires start from ruptured
gas lines.
Glass breaks and shatters.
Dams burst and flood
surrounding areas.
Earthquake duration
affects damage more than
the strength of an
earthquake.
What causes tsunamis?
Tsunamis, as you recall, are
giant waves that crash into
the land.
More people are killed
during tsunamis than during
the earthquakes that cause
them.
A network has been
established calls the
SSWWS, which gives
immediate warning of
offshore earthquakes and
prepares areas for tsunamis.
What if you were caught in an
earthquake?
Always have food, Stay away from
flashlights, batteries, objects that can topple.
and a radio.
Be more cautious after
Learn how to turn off
the earthquake. Wear
the gas, water, and
electricity to home. shoes, watch for fire
hazards and dangerous
Stay calm. Stand in a
doorway or crawl areas, such as gas or
under a table or desk. electric lines.
Stay away from
windows.
Are there warnings &
predictions?
Scientists have long
wished they could
predict earthquakes.
Seismic gaps are areas
of faults that have not
moved for at least 30
years.
Some believe animals
behave differently
before an earthquake
occurs.