On Monday, the USGS released maps and research showing predicted earthquake hotspots in the United States. What's unique this year is the addition of predicted earthquakes because of man-made factors. Locations in Texas and Oklahoma show they are on-par with high-risk areas in California, shifting the potential of an earthquake greatly affecting Americans.

Research from the USGS shows that over 7-million Americans live in the regions most at risk for man-made earthquakes, which are mostly caused from wastewater disposal drills used in oil fracking, which is part of natural gas and oil extraction. The majority of the new population at risk resides near Oklahoma City and Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan areas.

If you're in these areas, chances are you haven't received the education nor have experienced a major quack as those living in California have. Do you know what to do in the event you experience a quake? Here are a few things you should do in preparation and in the event you're present when a quake strikes.

  • Preparedness is key:
    • Become aware of fire evacuation and earthquake safety plans for all of the buildings you occupy regularly.
    • Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace and/or school. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you.
    • Practice “drop, cover and hold on” in each safe place. If you do not have sturdy furniture to hold on to, sit on the floor next to an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.
    • Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by each person’s bed in case the earthquake strikes in the middle of the night.
    • Make sure your home is securely anchored to its foundation.
    • Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to wall studs.
    • Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs.
    • Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.
    • Brace overhead light fixtures.
    • Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor.
    • Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a wrench handy for that purpose.
    • Learn about your area’s seismic building standards and land use codes before you begin new construction.
    • Keep and maintain an emergency supplies kit in an easy-to-access location. 
  • What to do during an earthquake:
    • If you are inside when shaking starts:
      • Drop, cover and hold on. Move as little as possible.
      • If you are in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on. Protect your head with a pillow.
      • Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass.
      • Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. When it is, use stairs rather than the elevator in case there are aftershocks, power outages or other damage.
      • Be aware that fire alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off in buildings during an earthquake, even if there is no fire.
    • If you are outside when shaking starts:
      • Find a clear spot (away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights) and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops.
      • If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop. Avoid bridges, overpasses and power lines if possible. Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Then, drive carefully, avoiding bridges and ramps that may have been damaged.
      • If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance.
      • If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris. Landslides are often triggered by earthquakes.
  • After the quake, you should:
    • After an earthquake, the disaster may continue. Expect and prepare for potential aftershocks, landslides or even a tsunami. Tsunamis are often generated by earthquakes.
    • Each time you feel an aftershock, drop, cover and hold on. Aftershocks frequently occur minutes, days, weeks and even months following an earthquake.
    • Check yourself for injuries and get First Aid, if necessary, before helping injured or trapped persons.
    • Put on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves to protect against injury from broken objects.
    • Look quickly for damage in and around your home and get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
    • Listen to a portable, battery-operated or hand-crank radio for updated emergency information and instructions.
    • Check the telephones in your home or workplace to see if you can get a dial tone. Make brief calls to report life-threatening emergencies.
    • Look for and extinguish small fires. Fire is the most common hazard after an earthquake.
    • Clean up spilled medications, bleach, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately.
    • Open closet and cabinet doors carefully as contents may have shifted.
    • Help people who require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled.
    • Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and stay out of damaged areas.
    • Keep animals under your direct control.
    • Stay out of damaged buildings.
    • If you were away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so. Use extreme caution and examine walls, floors, doors, staircases and windows to check for damage.
    • Be careful when driving after an earthquake and anticipate traffic light outages.
    • Let your family and loved ones know you're safe.
    • Utilize Facebook's Safety Check feature.
    • Check in with your emergency contacts with Virtual Halo to let them know you're ok and where you're located.

 

*Information for this article collected from redcross.org an usgs.gov.

Comment