Many of us think of California as earthquake country,
but the state with the most major earthquakes is Alaska.
Tennessee gets its share of rumblings, too.
In fact, our state is subject to earthquakes on a fairly
regular basis, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management
Agency. They occur in a well-known seismic area in West
Tennessee as well as a lesser-known eastern portion of
the state.
This spring and summer, earthquakes have occurred in
nearby places lie Friendsville, Greenback, Johnson City,
Mascot and Madisonville. Earthquakes can happen at any
time of the year.
The ground’s shaking can cause buildings and bridges
to collapse; disrupt gas, electric and phone service;
and sometimes trigger landslides, avalanches, flash floods
and fires.
The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings,
at exits and along exterior walls.
The best protection during an earthquake is to take cover
under heavy furniture such as a desk, table, or bench,
according to TEMA.
The Red Cross advises you to choose a safe place in every
room – under a sturdy piece of furniture or against
an inside wall – where nothing can fall on you.
Have an earthquake
plan:
- Practice Drop, Cover and Hold On
at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table,
hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face
against your arm. If there is no table or desk nearby,
sit on the floor against an interior wall away from
windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall
on you. Teach children to Drop, Cover and Hold On.
- Choose an out-of-town family contact in case of emergency.
- Inform babysitters and caregivers of your earthquake
plan.
- Prepare a disaster supply kit for home and car.
Eliminate hazards:
- Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture
to wall studs.
- Install strong latches on cupboards.
- Strap the water heater to wall studs.
What to do when
an earthquake begins:
- Drop, Cover and Hold On. Move only a few steps to
a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking
stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit.
Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect
the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during an earthquake.
- If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting
your head with a pillow.
- If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from
buildings, trees and power lines. Drop to the ground.
- If are you in a car, slow down and drive to a clear
place (described above). Stay in the car until the shaking
stops.
What to do when
the shaking stops:
- Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from
further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved
shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves.
- Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious
injuries.
- Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire
hazards.
- Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it's leaking.
(Remember, only a professional should turn it back on).
- Listen to the radio for instructions.
- Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, Drop,
Cover and Hold On.
- Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if
your home is unsafe.
- Use the telephone only to report life-threatening
emergences.
