Earthquake Safety Tips

Information accessed form Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

“Many people in New England view earthquakes as ‘a West-coast problem’; nothing we would have to be concerned with here. Unfortunately, that is an incorrect perception,” stated Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Don Boyce. “ Massachusetts , in fact, is located in a ‘moderate’ earthquake zone.  Although they generally cause insignificant damage, we experience several small tremors every year, not unlike the recent events in Merrimac on October 8^th and Littleton on October 19^th.”

Scientists cite the Cape Ann Earthquake of 1755, off the coast of Gloucester , MA,  (with a magnitude of 6.0) as the last major earthquake to cause significant damage in Massachusetts . Considering the age and type of construction of many structures in the area, a repeat of that event today could be expected to cause catastrophic damage to buildings, as well as the infrastructure.

MEMA takes the threat of a potentially destructive earthquake in this area very seriously, taking part in a number of earthquake-related training events annually. MEMA also has coordinated Simulated Emergency Tests, in conjunction with statewide amateur radio organizations (RACES/ARES).  Earthquake scenarios have been utilized to test the Commonwealth’s ability to communicate with cities, towns and public safety agencies if conventional communications were out of service following an earthquake.

Since these small tremors continue to take place in the Commonwealth, and larger earthquakes are possible, it is important for us to be aware of some simple safety rules if the ground begins to shake.  Most injuries or fatalities occur from falling or flying objects.  The recommendations for remaining safe during an earthquake are quite simple, and many are similar to a general Family Disaster Plan.

Before an earthquake strikes:

·        Check for hazards in your home.

·        Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.  Fasten top-heavy furniture, bookcases, and appliances to walls.

·        Store bottled foods, glass, china, and other breakables on lower shelves or in cabinets that can be fastened shut.

·        Secure your water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.

·        Evaluate and repair pre-existing structural issues, such as cracked foundations. If the foundation is secure and fully intact, bolt the house to it.

·        Store hazardous materials such as pesticides or flammable products in closed cabinets, which are close to the ground.

·        Hang heavy items away from where people sit or sleep.

·        Know where and how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves.

·        Develop a Family Communications Plan as well as a plan to reunite after an earthquake.

·        Review your insurance policies to assess the type of damage coverage and indemnity.

During an earthquake:

·        If indoors, stay away from windows, china cabinets, bookcases and other top-heavy furniture. 

·        If you are in bed, stay there, hold on and protect your head.  Be cautious and aware of broken glass on the floor.

·        Drop, Cover and Hold On.  Minimize your movement.  Stay indoors until the shaking stops. The safest places are under a heavy table, desk, bed, supported archway or against an inside wall.

·        If there is no table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the structure.  Doorways should only be used for shelter if they are in close proximity to you, and you have reason to believe it is a strongly supported load-bearing doorway.

·        If in a high-rise building, stay away from windows and outside walls.  The safest places are under sturdy furniture or next to an inside support column.  Do not use the elevator.

·        If you are indoors, do not panic and run outside during the shaking, as brick, glass and other flying debris could be a greater hazard than those faced indoors.

·        If outdoors, get into the open, away from chimneys, signs, buildings, trees and powerlines.

·        If in the car, pull to the side of the road and stop the car.  Do not park under overpasses or powerlines.  Stay in the car until the earthquake is over.  If the earthquake is severe, do not attempt to cross bridges or overpasses that could be damaged.

After an earthquake:

·        Check all utility lines for breaks inside and outside your home. Do not touch downed powerlines.

·        Check all utilities. If there are problems, the main gas valve, electrical circuit or water main should be shut off accordingly.  Report the problem to the utility and take all proper precautions.

·        Check your home for cracks and damage. Open closets and cupboards cautiously, as items may have become loose or dislodged.

·        Only use the telephone for emergency calls, as call volume will be high.

·        Pets’ behaviors may change dramatically after an earthquake.  Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become aggressive or defensive.  Watch animals closely, and check them for injuries with extreme caution.

·        Stay out of damaged buildings and approach chimneys and other masonry structures with caution.

·        Be prepared to experience a number of aftershocks, some of which could almost be similar in magnitude and feel to the initial earthquake.

(Much of this information is courtesy the Northeast States Emergency Consortium, Boston College ’s Weston Observatory, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.)