WHAT IS AN EARTHQUAKE?

An earthquake is a release of energy in the earth that makes the ground

tremble.

HOW DO EARTHQUAKES HAPPEN?

Earthquakes happen when two tectonic plates move past each other in the
earth’s crust. As the plates move, the rock gets stretched or squeezed until
it splits. This squeezing and stretching is what causes the ground to tremble
and move.
When the rock gets jammed, the energy builds up until it suddenly becomes
free and this causes a huge release in energy and a big movement in the
earth. The area underground where the rock moves is the start of the
earthquake. We call the point on the surface directly above that
the epicentre.
Sometimes not all of the energy is released in one go and the remaining
energy is released a little while later. These bursts of energy are
called aftershocks.

WHERE DO EARTHQUAKES OCCUR?

Earthquakes mostly happen when two tectonic plates move past each other
which means earthquakes are found on the edge of the worlds tectonic
plates. The Ring of Fire is the edge of the tectonic plate that the Pacific ocean
sits on. A lot of activity is found around the edge of this plate. About 90% of
all earthquakes occur along this edge and 75% of all active volcanoes are
found here too.
HOW ARE EARTHQUAKES MEASURED?
Earthquakes are measured using a seismometer which detects vibrations in
the earth. The earthquakes size and strength is then measured using
the Richter scale.

HOW DO EARTHQUAKES HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT?

The obvious thing that earthquakes cause are injury or death to people and
animals. In addition, homes are destroyed, transport and communication
become cut of and water and power lines may be effected too with the
devastation that earthquakes bring. Broken gas pipes would cause
explosions and fires often then spread.
With settlements destroyed, it can cause people to loot (when people steal
from homes and businesses). Food and clean water maybe hard to come by
and therefore diseases spread.
Entire communities often have to be rebuilt which is very costly. Many
businesses are often destroyed and because of this, there may be a huge
loss of income for many people.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE KILLED BY EARTHQUAKES EVERY YEAR?

Approximately 13,000 people die every year because of earthquakes.
TAKING EARTHQUAKE PRECAUTIONS

There is no effective warning system for earthquakes, which makes

preliminary precautions even more critical. At the same time, knowing how
to behave when a quake strikes and what to do after the event is just as
important to staying safe.

Before an Earthquake

There are many things families and individuals can do to prepare for an
earthquake, including the following:

 Install latches on cupboard doors to prevent them from opening during a

quake.
 Use non-skid shelf liners for kitchen and bathroom cupboards, medicine
cabinets, and closet shelves.
 Store heavy items or glassware in lower cabinets so they do not become
dangerous projectiles.
 Update home insurance policies to adequately cover building costs,
possession replacement, and injury deductibles.
 Secure large appliances such as refrigerators, water heaters, air
conditioners, and other bulky items with straps, bolts, and other
stabilizing methods.
 Be sure both old and new buildings meet earthquake construction
requirements.
 Do not put heavy artwork, mirrors, or shelves over beds.
 Firmly secure bookcases, artwork, mounted televisions and other objects
to withstand as much shaking as possible.
 Take clear photos of valuables as a record for insurance purposes.
 Prepare an earthquake emergency kit with non-perishable food, bottled
water, copies of important documents (birth certificates, prescriptions,
 insurance papers, etc.), flashlights, first aid materials, blankets, spare
glasses, and other essential items and store it where it will be easily
accessible in case of a quake.
 Keep cell phones charged and replace emergency kit supplies as
necessary to keep them usable.
 Plan alternative commuting routes in case an earthquake damages
roads.
 Set up a family meeting location in a safe area.
 Teach all family members basic first aid, how to behave during a quake,
and what to do after a quake.

During an Earthquake

Earthquakes can last just a few seconds or as long as several minutes, and
knowing how to react during the quake can help prevent injuries:

 Immediately seek a safe location such as in a doorway (if you live in an

old, adobe house that is not reinforced), beneath a table or desk, or along
an interior wall away from windows or hazardous objects.
 Cover the back of your head and your eyes to minimize injury from flying
debris.
 Do not take elevators during an earthquake.
 If cooking, turn off heating elements immediately.
 If outdoors, stay in open areas away from buildings, power lines, trees,
and other potential hazards.
 If driving, stop quickly but safely and stay in the vehicle. Do not stop near
power lines, bridges, overpasses, or other potentially dangerous
locations.
 Stay calm and brace yourself to keep your balance, sitting if possible.
After an Earthquake

Quick thinking after an earthquake hits can minimize immediate dangers.

Proper earthquake safety precautions after a tremor include the following:

 Be prepared for aftershocks, which may be stronger than the initial jolt.
 Tend injuries immediately and summon emergency assistance if
necessary.
 Check for structural damage, but do not enter a building that shows
damage or has visible cracks in the walls or foundation.
 Wear shoes at all times to avoid stepping on broken glass.
 Turn off gas, electricity, and water if damage is suspected or if advised
to do so by authorities.
 Be cautious opening cabinets, cupboards, and closets in case items may
be poised to fall.
 Keep phone lines clear for emergency use.
 Be patient: It may take hours or days to restore all services depending
on the severity of the quake.
 HOW TO HELP EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

Here are some other things you can do:

 Organize a school fundraiser.

Talk with your teacher or school administrators about starting school-based

activities to raise money or supplies. If you're organizing a donation drive,
check with the groups first to be sure they need the items you plan to send.
Sometimes they get too many donations and have to spend money storing
or handling the excess items.

 Organize a community event.

Talk to your place of worship or a local community center (like the YMCA)
about organizing a walk, run, bake sale, or other activity to raise money.

 Donate clothes, food, or other items.

Check with your local community center or place of worship to find out
whether you can drop off donations or if there's another way you can
contribute. (Again, it's a good idea to check with the organizations to be sure
they need the things you plan to send.)

Start small. You don't need a big group of people to make a difference.
Every donation, regardless of size, helps to rebuild communities that are hit
by natural disasters. If you want to donate money but can't afford to, let your
family or neighbors know you are available to help out with small jobs to earn
money for disaster relief. Every little bit helps! You could also think about
donating later when you've had the chance to earn some money or collect
necessary items. In places where there has been a lot of damage, the need
for funds will be ongoing. Your contribution will be appreciated just as much
later on.
It's also important to deal with your own feelings when you see people hurt
by tragedy. Talking to parents, teachers, and friends about what you see and
how you feel can help you deal with the aftermath of disasters like storms
and earthquakes.
If you go to school with kids that have been affected by disasters, reach out
to them and offer support. If you live in or near a community that has been
affected by a disaster, look for opportunities to volunteer with clean up and
help families recover.