Natural Disaster

EARTHQUAKES

Jamaicas Earthquake History

Jamaicas recorded history is common with

incidences of felt earthquakes. The famous
Port Royal earthquake of June 7, 1692 was
perhaps our largest and most damaging
natural disaster.

EARTHQUAKE SAFETY
Before the earthquake:
Conduct a hazard hunt identify potential
earthquake hazards (such as heavy objects
and furniture; book cases and storage
cabinets.)
Practice earthquake drills.
Practice Duck, Cover, Hold
Plan how to evacuate safely
Know the location of utility shut-off valves

Earthquake Safety Position

If you are indoors
during an earthquake,
take cover under a
sturdy desk or table.
Avoid glass top objects

Earthquake Safety Positions

Ensure that your
entire body is
covered. This
way you are
protected from
objects which
may have been
dislocated during
the shake.

Earthquake Safety Positions

The stronger the
earthquakes magnitude, the
more likely it will be for
objects to move from
beneath you. It is therefore
important to hold on to the
leg of the object from which
you are taking cover to keep
it in place

Earthquake Safety
During the Earthquake:
If you are indoors stay there and DUCK, COVER,
HOLD
If you are outside- move to a safe area
If you are in a crowded areas do not rush for exits all
at once.
If you are in a high rise building, get under a sturdy
piece of furniture.
If you are in a car, ask the driver to pull to the side of
the road and stop.

EARTHQUAKE SAFETY
After the Earthquake:
Evacuate the building immediately.
Check for injured or trapped persons.
Wear protective shoes.
Use a flashlight when searching for fire
hazards.
Check gas, water and electrical lines for
damage.

EARTHQUAKE SAFETY
After the Earthquake contd:
Immediately cleanup spilled material
Never touch downed power-lines
Check emergency supplies
Use telephone for emergencies only
Listen to the radio for reports

Steps in Planning a Drill

Alarm decide on an alarm that is known and

understood by all
Response all persons are to take cover, whether they
are in or out of the building
Evacuation persons should head for the designated
safe areas on the compound, using predetermined
evacuation routes
Assembly Have persons grouping according to
departments or sections
Roll Call Do a head count for person assembled to
determine if all persons were safely evacuated
Evaluation Assess the strengths and weaknesses of
the exercise

Knowing what to do when faced

with a crisis can be the difference
-between calm and chaos,
-between courage and fear,
-between life and death!