Taiwan was tragically struck by an enormous 7.4 magnitude earthquake Wednesday morning and upon seeing movies within the information, I out of the blue realized that I don’t know what to do if an earthquake hits whereas I’m driving. I’ve grown up within the Los Angeles space my complete life, and we had earthquake drills in class that taught us to duck and canopy below a sturdy floor, however no point out was made about methods to react if you happen to’re behind the wheel.
In the occasion that you’re driving when an earthquake hits, the U.S. Geological Survey says to maneuver out of the way in which of site visitors and cease your automobile away from any overpasses, mild posts, or bushes, and if you happen to’re on a bridge, don’t cease on the bridge.
AAA affords a extra in-depth set of tips for methods to deal with an earthquake from behind the wheel, and methods to proceed as soon as the shaking stops:
1. Make your technique to the aspect of the highway and set the parking brake
Avoid stopping below overpasses or energy traces, on bridges, or close to indicators and different hazards that would fall in your automobile. Stay contained in the automobile till the shaking stops. If you possibly can proceed driving, proceed rigorously as a result of chances are you’ll encounter fallen particles and cracked or shifted pavement. Watch for emergency automobiles, and, as normal, pull over to allow them to via.
2. If an influence line falls on or close to your automobile, don’t get out
Also, don’t contact metallic gadgets inside, similar to your seat belt buckle, the steering wheel, or the door deal with, which might end in electrocution. Instead, keep put, name 911, then place your fingers in your lap. “Stay inside until a trained person arrives to remove the wire,” Burdick says. Rescue personnel could also be delayed in a serious catastrophe.
3. If you’re driving on a coastal highway, tune in to a neighborhood radio station and head inland
Listening to a neighborhood radio station will hold you apprised of tsunami warnings and evacuation routes. Keep in thoughts {that a} tsunami can journey inland so far as 10 miles. An earthquake brought on by the San Andreas fault is unlikely to end in a tsunami as a result of it’s so removed from the coast, however an earthquake created by an oceanic fault might set off a large wave. A map of tsunami zones is offered right here.
4. Fuel up
If energy is out, fuel stations will likely be unable to dispense gas, so all the time hold your tank not less than 1 / 4 full.
5. Prepare an earthquake-survival package for every of your automobiles
Ready America and Quake Kare promote preassembled kits and provide reductions to AAA members. These are some gadgets to incorporate.
Bottled water, class ABC extinguishers (outfitted to place out electrical, grease, and fuel fires), first assist package and handbook, emergency-signal gadgets (whistle, mild sticks, battery-type flasher, reflector, mirror, and so on.), reflective triangles to make your automobile extra seen, flashlight with recent batteries, or a hand-crank flashlight, thick work gloves, a compass, jumper cables, duct tape, sneakers, software package or a multipurpose utility software, rope for towing, rescue, and so on., and paper maps (since you won’t have cell service). A wide range of metropolis and regional maps can be found free of charge at your native AAA department.
As lengthy as you aren’t touring on or below a bridge throughout an earthquake, the most secure factor to do is to slowly cease your automobile in a comparatively open house out of the way in which of site visitors and wait out the quake.
There aren’t any tips that particularly tackle what to do if an earthquake strikes when you’re driving on or below a bridge or overpass, other than the AAA guideline that claims, “do not stop on a bridge or overpass unless it is safe to do so.” Which…who is aware of what that may imply Some of the largest hazards throughout earthquakes are objects falling, together with bushes, buildings, and damaged glass, so the most secure place to be throughout an earthquake would doubtless be an open area with no bushes or buildings that would fall.
Realistically although, earthquakes strike with no warning. When one occurs, react to your rapid scenario within the most secure method potential. For extra data on how to reply to an earthquake, seek advice from the CDC’s tips right here.
Source: jalopnik.com