How City Dwellers Should Prepare for an Earthquake

What would you do if an earthquake struck your city?

If you don’t have an answer to that question, stop what you’re doing and grab a notebook and pen (not your phone, you’ll want this information to be available even if your city’s power lines are compromised). Here are some tips that all city dwellers need to know when the ground begins rumbling.

The rumble of shifting tectonic plates sends shivers down spines worldwide–the fear of earthquakes is understandable; they have ravaged countless cities the world over, long before recorded history.

It’s urgent that people learn about earthquake preparedness in their cities, sooner rather than later; the information may even save your life.

3 Steps to Remember

If you’ve taken fire safety courses, you’re no doubt aware that you should “stop, drop, and roll” if an item of your clothing catches fire. With earthquakes, city dwellers need to remember to Drop, Cover, and HOLD ON. As in, “Drop to the ground, seek cover from falling objects, and do your best to stay still.”

Your Home or Apartment’s Safest Areas

Scout out areas in your home where you’ll be safe from any falling objects–strong earthquakes can loose mirrors and light fixtures from your ceilings and walls; a quake can even topple bookshelves or entertainment centers. As such, you should find your home’s “safe spaces”. This might be under a bed, in a closet, or in a largely unfurnished room.

Finding Out the Specifics for Your City

Every city has a different design; consequently, we can’t tell you precisely what you should do in the event of an earthquake affecting your city. Fortunately, your local government can. Through Ready.gov, the government’s disaster preparedness website, you can find the localized information you need.

Developing the “Prepper” Mindset

Chances are, you have at least one friend who’s interested in survivalism or even considers themselves a full-blown “prepper”. We’re not saying that you need to fill your crawlspace with cans of Spam and other non-perishables. However, you can learn a lot from these survivalists.

One of the best ideas prepper culture has borne is the idea of the “bug out bag”. While bigger versions exist, the 72-hour bag has become the standard for beginners. When it’s fully packed, it will contain a flashlight, first-aid kit, waterproof matches, and many other tools you’ll need if an earthquake renders your home, or even your city, unlivable.

When it comes to your health and sustenance after an earthquake, you should store plenty of clean, bottled drinking water, as well as (at least) a week’s worth of non-perishable food items.

Your Personal Health

Thrust into a survival situation, you’ll need to be in good physical condition to survive and prosper. If you’re over your ideal weight, it’s important to start eating a little healthier and exercising more each day. Likewise, if you’re a smoker, you might find that a tobacco harm reduction product (such as an e cigarette starter kit, otherwise known as a “vape pen”), or another tobacco alternative can provide you with a greater level of freedom.

Further Information

We apologize if the tone of this piece ever struck you as alarmist–we don’t want to scare people. Our goal is to make people–especially those living in cities–aware of the steps they need to take to be disaster-ready. If you have any questions, comments, or additional information you’d like to add, feel free to comment below or send us a message. Stay safe!