Earthquakes are one of the most devastating natural disasters that usually occur without warning. According to experts, Bangladesh is in a vulnerable position in terms of earthquakes. But it is impossible even for experts to predict when and where an earthquake will occur. However, it is very important for the government to have a clear action plan to deal with earthquake-related disasters.
Everyone has something to do before or after an earthquake, even if it’s not predicted. In this case, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has given a set of suggestions on what to do during an earthquake. These are available on the Ministry’s website.
It is not possible to know in advance when and where the earthquake will occur. However, there are some things you can do before and after as possible preparation for this.
* Do not panic if you feel an earthquake.
* If you are in bed during an earthquake, cover your head with a pillow and take shelter under a table, desk or other sturdy furniture.
* If you are in the kitchen, turn off the gas stove and come out quickly.
* Take shelter around beams, columns and pillars.
* Take shelter under a hard bench or a hard table with a schoolbag on your head while staying in an educational institution.
* Take shelter in an open place away from trees, tall buildings, electric poles when outdoors.
* If you are in garment factories, hospitals, markets and cinemas, sit and cover your head with both hands without crowding or pushing in front of the door to get out.
* Don’t try to move too much if you’re trapped under a broken wall. Cover the mouth with a cloth, so that the dust does not enter the respiratory tract.
* Once a tremor occurs, it may occur again. So take the opportunity to get out and take shelter in an empty place.
* If you are on the upper floor, you have to wait until the vibration or shaking stops; Avoid hastily jumping or using the elevator to get off.
* When the shaking or shaking stops, quickly exit the stairs and take a position under the open sky.
*If in a car, stop the car away from over-bridges, flyovers, trees and electric poles. Stay inside the car until the shaking stops.
* Keep battery operated radio, flashlight, water and first aid kit at home.
* Construct buildings in compliance with building codes.
During the earthquake
* Keep yourself slow and calm.
* Do not enter the house if outside the house.
* Get out quickly if it is a one-story building; If in a multi-story building, go under the table or bed; Stay away from glassware; Do not use the elevator.
* Do not attempt to jump from windows or roofs of tall buildings; Stay away from high ground where there is a risk of landslides.
After the earthquake
* Evacuate the damaged building in a slow and orderly manner.
* Listen and obey emergency instructions from radio-television.
* Check whether there is any problem in electricity, gas, telephone lines and take immediate action.
* Provide necessary support to government agencies.
