Test your quake knowledge

    An earthquake is a sudden movement of earth caused by a sudden release of strain. That strain on the earth’s crust has accumulated over a long period of time. To better illustrate the strain, interlock your fingers then slowly wiggle them apart. The force you feel is accumulated energy being released. When accumulated energy grows strong enough in the earth, the possibility of an earthquake happening is likely.
    An earthquake in a popular area could cause many deaths and injuries as well as extensive property damage. Here are some terms you should familiarize yourself with to help identify an earthquake hazard.
    • Earthquake: A sudden slippage or movement of a portion of the earth’s crust, accompanied and followed by a series of vibrations.
    • Aftershock: An earthquake of similar or lesser intensity that follows the main earthquake.
    • Magnitude: The a-mount of energy released during an earthquake. An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale is about 30 times more powerful than one measuring 5.0 Will you be ready during an earthquake?
    Here are a few suggestions to help you.
    • Minimize your movements during a quake and quickly find a safe place to stay. If you are indoors, stay there. Take cover under a sturdy table against an inside wall, and if there is no safe place to seek shelter, then crouch in an inside corner of the building, covering your face and head with your arms.
    • If you are in a car, stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the car until the quake has stopped, then proceed cautiously, watching out for road and bridge damage.
    • If you are trapped under debris, do not light matches or move about to kick up dust.  Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
    Take this test about what to do during an earthquake. Circle A or B and check your answers in my November column.                         
    1. If you are at home, should you: (A) Stay inside; or (B) Go out to the street?                       
    2. If you are in bed, should you: (A) Stay by a window; or (B) Stay in bed and protect your head with a pillow?                      
    3. If you are in a building, should you: (A) Stand in a doorway; or (B) Crouch along an inside wall                        
    4. If you are outside, should you: (A) Run to the nearest building; or (B) Stay outside away from buildings.                        
    5) If you in a motor vehicle, should you: (A) Stop the vehicle in open space; or (B) Stop the vehicle under an overpass and stay inside.
    Until next time: Be prepared and be informed.
 
    Frank Murga is president of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program board and serves as its emergency preparedness coordinator. Contact him by e-mailing fmurga@cranstonri.org.