Earthquakes, also known as temblors, happen by the thousands every day around the world. While many are too small to feel, others can be very destructive. These events are caused by the sudden movement of rock materials below the surface of the Earth. They typically occur along the boundaries between tectonic plates.
When two or more plates collide, friction causes the Earth to shake. This shaking is felt on the surface of the planet, but it can also travel underground and outward to other areas of the world. Earthquakes can last for seconds to a few minutes. They are sometimes followed by aftershocks, which are smaller tremors that happen at the same time and location as the main shock.
When an earthquake occurs, the best thing to do is “Duck, cover and hold.” Get down on your hands and knees and move away from windows and doors which could break or collapse. Take cover under a table or desk and grasp one of its legs. If you are in bed, stay there and protect your head with a pillow. Outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings and power lines which could fall on you.
Stay tuned to emergency information via battery-powered or hand crank radio, TV, social media and cell phone text alerts. Know where your family’s disaster supplies are stored so you can retrieve them quickly if needed. Be sure to keep your children’s school or day care informed so they can coordinate a meeting place for everyone after the shaking stops.
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