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Earthquakes. Be prepared. How do earthquakes happen?. tectonic movement (plates move apart, toward or alongside each other Pressure and friction increase, the plates give way (at the focus) seismic waves move to the surface ground shakes people feel it (most strongly at the epicentre).
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Earthquakes Be prepared
How do earthquakes happen? • tectonic movement (plates move apart, toward or alongside each other • Pressure and friction increase, the plates give way (at the focus) • seismic waves move to the surface • ground shakes • people feel it (most strongly at the epicentre)
Be prepared • You wont necessarily know one is coming so: • Prepare an emergency plan • Quake safe your home by • Secure ornaments and glassware • non slip mats under heavy objects • Secure pictures or mirrors • Secure tall furniture to the wall (metal brackets) • Store heavier objects lower down • Secure your hot water cylinder • Use wires on bookselves to stop books falling • Use childproof latches on cupboards
During an earthquake • DROP COVER & HOLD • DROP to the ground (to avoid falling) • Take COVER under something strong (desk or table) • HOLD on until the shaking stops. • Do not run. • You will generally be safer inside than out.
After an earthquake: days • Use your emergency plan. • Keep safe, if you need too, go outside. If at risk of a tsunami, move to higher ground. • Listen to the radio, only make short essential calls. • Only when advised it is safe return home, take photos and start cleaning up (turning off gas or water if leaking, board up windows) • Take advice from civil defence
After weeks/months/years • The recovery stage: checking people are ok • Avoid outbreak of disease • Clean food and water • People tidy up what they can • The rehabilitation stage: fixing roads, buildings, and the economy. • The Government helps companies and councils cover the costs of damage done.