Ashwin Lewis
Earthquakes can happen at any time, including when people are asleep in bed. This can be particularly dangerous as people are more vulnerable when sleeping and disoriented when they wake up, and darkness makes it harder to spot dangers and exit paths. Most earthquake injuries are caused by falling objects and furniture, so it's important to take steps to secure your bedroom and prepare for an earthquake before it happens. If an earthquake occurs while you're sleeping, it's generally recommended to stay in bed, turn face down, and cover your head and neck with a pillow until the shaking stops.
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What You'll Learn
- Stay in bed, cover your head and neck with a pillow, and hold on until the shaking stops
- If you can, move next to (not under) a sturdy piece of furniture
- Avoid windows, mirrors, and tall furniture
- Do not run outside?
- If you can, prepare your home in advance by securing heavy furniture and removing items that could fall
Stay in bed, cover your head and neck with a pillow, and hold on until the shaking stops
If an earthquake happens while you're sleeping, the best thing you can do is stay in bed, cover your head and neck with a pillow, and hold on until the shaking stops. This is known as the "Stay, Cover, and Hold" method, and it's specifically designed for situations where an earthquake occurs during your sleep.
Staying in bed is recommended because moving around during an earthquake increases your likelihood of injury. Most earthquake injuries are caused by falling objects and furniture, not building collapse. So, staying put in a protected position reduces the risk of getting hurt by falling debris or broken glass.
Covering your head and neck with a pillow provides protection from potential hazards above your bed. This includes items that could fall, such as pictures, mirrors, or other wall-mounted objects. It's a good idea to prepare your bedroom ahead of time by securing heavy furniture and removing items that could fall and cause injury. Simple changes like childproofing latches on drawers and installing guardrails on bookshelf shelves can make a significant difference in creating a safer space.
Holding on until the shaking stops is crucial. Earthquakes can cause disorientation and panic, but staying put and holding on helps you maintain stability and reduces the risk of falling or being knocked down. Remember that smaller earthquakes, called aftershocks, often follow the main shock. So, even after the initial shaking stops, remain vigilant and be ready to implement the "Stay, Cover, and Hold" technique again if necessary.
While the immediate response during an earthquake is to focus on your safety, it's also important to prepare your bedroom ahead of time to minimize potential hazards. This includes securing large furniture to the walls, ensuring that heavy items are placed in bottom drawers, and removing objects that could fall and cause injury. Taking these proactive steps will help keep you and your loved ones safer when an earthquake occurs while you're sleeping.
By following the "Stay, Cover, and Hold" method and preparing your bedroom ahead of time, you can significantly enhance your safety and protection during an earthquake. Remember, the goal is to minimize movement, shield yourself from falling objects, and stay put until the shaking ceases.
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If you can, move next to (not under) a sturdy piece of furniture
If an earthquake happens while you're sleeping, it's important to remain calm and take immediate action to protect yourself. One crucial step is to move next to a sturdy piece of furniture, but not under it. Here are some detailed instructions to help you effectively execute this action:
Firstly, if you can safely do so, quickly move away from windows, mirrors, and tall furniture. These can pose significant dangers during an earthquake due to falling objects and shattered glass. Your priority should be to create distance between yourself and any potential hazards.
Next, identify a sturdy piece of furniture nearby, such as a heavy desk or a solid table. Avoid lighter or less stable pieces that could topple over. Remember, you want to position yourself next to the furniture, not directly under it. The goal is to benefit from the potential void space it creates if the ceiling collapses, providing you with a protective pocket.
As you move, be cautious and maintain a low centre of gravity. Drop down to your hands and knees if possible, as this position protects you from being knocked down and gives you stability to crawl. Keep your body low to the ground as you move, minimizing the risk of falling or being struck by falling debris.
Once you've reached the sturdy piece of furniture, stay close to it and cover your head and neck with your arms. If possible, use one hand to hold onto the furniture, as it may move during the earthquake. Be prepared to move with the furniture if necessary. Remember, your goal is to stay in this protected position until the shaking stops.
It's important to note that moving during an earthquake can be dangerous, so if you can't reach a sturdy piece of furniture safely, it may be better to stay put and cover your head and neck with a pillow, following the "Stay, Cover, and Hold" guidance. Additionally, if you've prepared your bedroom for an earthquake by securing heavy furniture and removing hazards above your bed, you may be safer remaining in place.
By following these instructions, you can effectively increase your chances of protection during an earthquake while sleeping. Remember, in the moment, stay calm, act quickly, and prioritize your safety.
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Avoid windows, mirrors, and tall furniture
If you're asleep when an earthquake occurs, your safety will depend on your quick reactions and prior preparation. Firstly, it's important to stay indoors and not run outside. If you're in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow. You should then move away from windows, mirrors, and tall furniture, which can cause serious injury if they fall or shatter.
Mirrors, framed pictures, and other hanging objects can fall off walls and shatter during an earthquake, causing glass to spread across the floor. This poses a significant risk of injury, as stepping on broken glass is one of the most common injuries resulting from earthquakes. Therefore, it is crucial to stay away from windows and mirrors during an earthquake.
Tall furniture, such as shelves, wardrobes, and dressers, can also be hazardous. These items can topple over and trap or injure you. If you have heavy items on top of shelves or furniture, they may fall and strike you. Therefore, it is essential to secure tall furniture to wall studs with L-brackets and ensure that heavy items are not placed on high shelves.
To prepare for an earthquake, you should identify these hazards in your home and secure moveable items. You can use earthquake putty or Velcro tabs to secure objects to walls and prevent them from falling. Additionally, you should create a disaster plan and decide on a communication strategy for your household. Practicing your plan and knowing what to do will help you react quickly and effectively if an earthquake occurs while you're sleeping.
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Do not run outside
If an earthquake occurs while you are sleeping, it is important to remain calm and follow safety protocols to protect yourself. One crucial instruction is to not run outside. Here are several detailed paragraphs explaining why you should not run outside during an earthquake, especially if you are caught off guard while sleeping.
Firstly, running outside during an earthquake is extremely dangerous. When an earthquake occurs, the ground is shaking violently, and running on unstable ground increases your risk of falling and sustaining injuries. Windows, light fixtures, and other objects may also be falling or breaking, and running towards them can lead to severe cuts or impact injuries. Staying indoors and taking cover helps protect you from these hazards.
Secondly, if you are inside a building during an earthquake, it is generally safer to remain where you are until the shaking stops. Running outside may expose you to falling debris from the building, such as bricks, roof tiles, or other structural elements. Even if the building appears sturdy, there is a risk of partial collapse or falling objects that could cause serious harm. It is recommended to stay indoors, preferably under a sturdy piece of furniture, to shield yourself from potential falling debris.
Additionally, if you are in a multi-story building, it is crucial to avoid using elevators or stairs during an earthquake. Elevators may malfunction or stop due to power outages, trapping you inside. Stairs are particularly hazardous during an earthquake as they have a different 'moment of frequency' than the rest of the building, increasing the likelihood of structural failure and causing severe injuries to those using them. Therefore, it is safer to remain on your current floor and take cover.
Furthermore, if you are in bed when the earthquake occurs, it is generally advised to stay there. Quickly turn onto your stomach and cover your head and neck with a pillow to protect yourself from falling debris. If possible, also cover your mouth and nose with a dust mask or a piece of clothing to prevent inhaling dust or debris. Only consider moving if you are directly under heavy objects or fixtures that could fall and injure you. In that case, carefully crawl to a safer spot nearby.
Lastly, while it is important to stay indoors during an earthquake, it does not mean you should stay in the same room or building if there is a safer option. If you are in a damaged building or one that is at risk of collapse, you should leave and move to a safer location. However, do this as quickly and efficiently as possible, avoiding running, and be aware of potential hazards such as falling debris and broken glass. Always follow the instructions provided by local authorities and earthquake preparedness guidelines to ensure your safety.
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If you can, prepare your home in advance by securing heavy furniture and removing items that could fall
If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, it is a good idea to prepare your home in advance. Earthquakes can happen without warning, so it is important to be ready. Start by identifying any unsecured items in your home that could cause damage or injury if they were to fall over or collapse during an earthquake. This includes heavy and top-heavy furniture such as bookcases, dressers, wardrobes, and file cabinets. Move these items to the floor or low shelves, and avoid placing them near your bed or anywhere else where you spend a lot of time.
To secure your heavy furniture, you can use flexible fasteners such as nylon strap kits, which can be purchased online or from hardware stores. These straps screw into wall studs, providing a sturdy anchor for your furniture without damaging the walls. For items taller than 6 feet, it is recommended to secure the straps at a height of 2/3 the height of the item. You can also use L-brackets to secure furniture to wall studs, but be sure to use plain plaster or drywall as they will work loose.
In addition to securing furniture, it is important to remove any items that could fall and cause injury during an earthquake. This includes framed pictures, especially those with glass, which should be hung from closed hooks to prevent them from bouncing off the wall. Only soft art, such as tapestries, should be placed over beds and sofas. Other items to secure include hot water tanks, which can be fastened to wall studs with metal straps, and ceiling lights and fans, which can be supported with cables bolted to the ceiling joists.
Finally, it is a good idea to create a disaster plan for your family and an emergency kit that includes flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, shelf-stable snacks, medications, and other essential items. Practise your emergency plan with your family and coworkers, and make sure everyone knows how to protect themselves during an earthquake. Remember, preparing your home in advance can save lives.
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Frequently asked questions
Stay in bed and cover your head and neck with a pillow. If you don't have a bed kit, prepare one in advance with sturdy shoes, a flashlight, glasses, a dust mask, and a whistle.
Make an emergency plan with your family, including a designated out-of-state contact. You should also prepare a supply kit with enough food and water for several days, as well as essential medications and medical supplies.
Drop down to your hands and knees and crawl under a sturdy table or desk. If you can't get under something sturdy, cover your head and neck with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building, away from windows and anything that could fall.
Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop to the ground and cover your head and neck with your arms until the shaking stops.
