Earthquakes are the worlds largest causes of disaster

Disasters come in all shapes and sizes and can stay in the news headlines for months at a time. In comparing potential disasters that communities, business owners and homeowners are likely to experience there is little doubt that earthquakes are the most worrisome. The largest challenge that an earthquake presents is that there are often no warning signs to help steer people to safe spots. Following the recent disasters in Haiti and Chile it is clear that signals that a potential earthquake could strike are often hard to find. In a disaster, any prior warning weather it is hours, minutes or even seconds could greatly improve the possibility of saving lives.

The devastation that an earthquake has the potential to cause is almost unparalleled in comparison. While most earthquakes may last only a few brief seconds, it is often the multiple aftershocks that can do the most damage. Earthquakes which are measured on a scale of one to ten have occurred in every continent across the globe. Scientist have been able to identify areas which have a higher likelihood (California) of experiencing an earthquake due to their proximity to fault lines of the earths surface.

The National Earthquake Information Center was created to be a guide to tracking and warning of potential earthquakes. As part of the US geological society, the NEIC has a mission to try and provide advance warning to help reduce devastation from hurricanes. In partnership with Earthquake Country, they have compiled a seven step action list to help prepare for and react to an emergency disaster from earthquakes

Prepare
1. Make a Plan
2. Tie it down – when possible secure items that could fall from shelves or off of walls
3. Create disaster recovery kits, including food, water, shelter and first aid
4. Analyze if your home or business is safe, study the infrastructure and items in the property and visualize the worst destruction

Protect
1. Drop and cover your head under table or in a bathtub when possible hold onto something that is permanently attached
Recover

1. Check for injuries, review the infrastructure of your property, avoid electrical lines and contact a professional restoration contractor to examine your property damages.
2. Be a good neighbor and citizen, check on members of your community to see if anyone needs help.

Certainly we all hope to never experience an earthquake or be caught in a natural disaster. Reaction and planning are often the most critical items that can help save lives and reduce injuries. Consider visiting the RedCross to make a charitable donation to help victims of the recent tragedies in Chile or Haiti.