Surviving Through Disasters

There are many natural and man-made forces that can force you to implement survival skills.  Drought, fires, earthquakes and hurricanes can strike at any time.  You should know the techniques for dealing with these disasters.  Although there are many situations that require survival skills, this post will focus on earthquakes, tsunamis (because of the recent event in Japan) and tornados (because I live in the Midwest).  My source is the SAS Survival Handbook by John “Lofty” Wiseman.

Earthquakes are possibly the most feared of all natural disasters because they strike with little warning.  Unlike a hurricane or a flood, not much can be done to prepare for an earthquake.  Minor tremors in the earth can happen anywhere, but major earthquakes are confined to known earthquake belts- Japan and California, for instance.  If you live in an area prone to quakes, stay tuned to a local radio station for up-to-date reports and advice.  Turn off gas, electricity, and water.  Remove heavy objects from shelves so they don’t fall on you.  Cupboard doors should be fastened with rope- not just magnetic catches.  Have fresh water and emergency food, a light source, first aid kits, and a fire extinguisher at your disposal.  

If you are indoors when an earthquake strikes, stay inside.  Put out fires, stay away from glass and large windows.  A lower floor or cellar probably gives you the best chance of survival.  Get beneath a table to give you protection from flying objects.  If you are in an office, get under a desk.

If you are in a car, stop as quickly as you can and stay in the car.  It will offer protection from falling objects.  Crouch down below the seat level and you will be further protected if any objects fall on the top of the car.  

If you are outdoors, lie flat on the ground and do NOT try to run.  Keep away from tall buildings and do not go underground.  If possible, get on top of a hill or high ground.  Slopes are prone to landslides in which case the chance of survival is slim.  If you are on a beach, you are probably safe during the earthquake, but as soon as the quake ends, get off the beach immediately.  Earthquakes are usually followed by tsunamis.

Tsunamis are linked with earthquakes beneath the ocean.  The shifting of plates creates a series of waves which can be more than 30 feet high and cause damage along coastlines.  Not all earthquakes cause tsunamis, but any quake can.  If you find yourself in a tsunamis, keep away from shores and move to high ground.  If you are close enough to see the wave, you are too close to escape it.  

While tsunamis and quakes are common on the coasts, tornadoes are prevalent in the midwest in the Mississippi-Missouri valley.  As a precaution, you want to take shelter in the most solid structure available.  Ideally, the structure should be reinforced concrete or steel-framed.  You want to make your way to the basement.  If there is no basement, go to the center of the lowest floor and go underneath sturdy furniture.  Do NOT stay in a car because it could be swept up in the storm.  If you are outside, try to find a ditch and lie down with you head covered.