Are you prepared for an earthquake? Learn five crucial things to do before an earthquake strikes to protect yourself and your loved ones.We cannot predict when an earthquake will occur, but we must be informed about the damage to act in order to avoid possible damage and danger. it is essential to have a plan in place to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones. In this article, we will discuss five crucial things you should do before an earthquake strikes to minimize damage and protect yourself and your family.

5 Things to Do Before an Earthquake.

• Locate safe zones and firm structures to protect yourself.
• Have an emergency backpack ready.
• Participate in earthquake drills in your neighborhood.
• Educate the children in your home about precautionary measures.
• Hire an engineer to reinforce your home.

1. Identify the emergency exits in the building where you work or live, the safest areas (wall corners or sturdy tables) and the most dangerous areas (windows, mirrors, lamps and unsecured objects or furniture). If seismic movements are common in your area, reduce the risks by securing objects that could cause damage and avoid placing heavier objects in high areas.
2. It is recommended to have some food supplies in reserve, mainly bottled water and non-perishable food, as well as a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, fire extinguisher and whistle. Organizing and planning with the family how to act in the event of an earthquake is essential to avoid damage. Have assistance and emergency telephone numbers at hand, as well as the mechanism for closing water, electricity and gas valves.
3. You need to determine the safest places in your apartment or house where you can wait out the tremors: openings, corners, places near capital internal walls, columns and under the beams of the building frame.
4. Securely attach cabinets, racks, shelves, and household appliances to the walls and floor in advance so that they cannot fall onto sleeping areas or block exits from rooms or doors.
5. Securely fasten or move down heavy and valuable items standing or lying on shelves or furniture (vases, televisions, computers, irons).

10 Steps During an Earthquake

1. At the first sign of hesitation, remain calm and try to reassure others.
2. First of all, help children, the disabled and the elderly.
3. Do not use the elevator or stairs during tremors.
4. Stay focused and remember that you have 10-20 seconds to determine the shortest escape route from the building. Then more aftershocks may follow.
5. If you have not managed to leave the building, then move away from heavy furniture, windows, and chandeliers.
6. Find cover or stand against an interior wall, in a corner or support, in the doorway or other relatively safe place.
7. Turn off water, gas and electricity.
8. Leave the building by stairs, not the elevator, taking your emergency kit with you .Once outside, move away from buildings, power lines, trees to an open space.
9. When you hear the signal “Attention everyone!”, turn on the radio, TV and act according to the information received.
10. Provide first aid to those who need it. Free those trapped in easily removable rubble. Ensure the safety of children, the sick, and the elderly. Do not use the telephone unless absolutely necessary. Obey the instructions of local authorities and the disaster response team. Be prepared for strong aftershocks, as the first two to three hours after an earthquake are the most dangerous.You should always have an emergency backpack in your home, and it will have items that can help you in earthquakes and other natural disasters. You should not forget alcohol or disinfectant, medicine, pills, bandages, band-aids, towels, blankets, bottled water, canned food, a flashlight and a battery-operated radio. If you have a baby or an elderly person, the backpack should also have items that they need most, such as bottles, diapers, baby food, blankets and more.