Great Utah Shake-Out -- DROP, COVER, HOLD-ON and a Few Other Tricks

Image Attribution: http://www.earthquakecountry.org/step5/

Let’s get a jump on our annual Great Utah Shake-Out.  April is the time of year that Utah, and other states, living under the threat of a major earthquake, practice simple, life-saving response techniques, review and refresh emergency on-foot evacuation and auto kits as well as take an inventory of home preparations.

Here is a simple action that can save lives and reduce injuries; we refer to it as: Drop, Cover and Hold-On.

It is done by dropping carefully to the floor, crawling to the nearest, strongest table or desk, taking cover under it and holding-on to it to prevent the shaking from moving it - exposing your body to falling debris.

Our government leaders consider it a family responsibility for every member to be trained and practiced in this technique.

What do you do if the shaking starts and there is no table or desk under which to seek cover?  Do the next best thing:  Drop carefully to the floor (it is not safe to remain standing when the shaking starts;) crawl to the nearest interior wall that is furthest from windows.  Sit with your back pressed against the wall, pull your bent legs into your chest, drop your chin into your chest and protect your head by covering with your arms bent over your head.

Another alternative action for at-home protection.  Set-up a closet in those rooms of your home that do not have a table or desk.  Put a pillow or two in each closet for comfort.  Place a small emergency kit inside that includes an emergency whistle, heavy gloves, water, a few protein bars, a flashlight and a few sanitation supplies, as you may be there until you are rescued.  As with all responses, when the shaking starts, drop carefully to the floor and crawl to the closet.  It is a much safer place than being exposed to falling debris in an open room. 

Continue to use each closet for clothing and storage but leave enough space to provide emergency shelter.  

Here is another idea.  If you are in bed when shaking starts, unless you have a sturdy table or desk nearby, remain in bed, cover your body, particularly your face and head, with pillows.  

Keep a few emergency supplies under each bed in a bag with loop handles that can be slipped around a bed leg to hold it in place (so that shaking does not move it from it from your easy reach.)  Include sturdy, slip-on shoes, head lamp, heavy gloves, emergency whistle, a bottle of water, something that could help you move aside debris (a cane, a bath curtain pole, etc.)  

© Linda Milne, 2019