​FAQ on Earhquake

Are we prone to earthquake?
Mauritius Island is not considered susceptible to earthquakes but nevertheless the risk exists. Rodrigues Island is susceptible to a degree of tectonic movement and it is always wide to be prepared.

How do we prepare for an earthquake?
The following are things you can do protect yourself, your family and your property in the event of an earthquake.
1. You should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
2. Fasten shelves securely to walls.
3. Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
4. Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and chain in low, closed cabinets with latches.
5. Fasten heavy items such as pictures and mirrors securely to walls and away from beds, couches and anywhere people sit.
6. Brace overhead light fixtures and top heavy objects.
7. Repair defective electrical wiring as they are potential fire risks.
8. Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
9. Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Reinforce this information by moving to these places during drills.
10. Hold earthquake drills with your family members: Drop, cover and hold on.

What should be done during an earthquake?

If Indoors
1. DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn't a table or desk near your, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the buidling.

2. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

3. Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
 
4. Do not use a doorway except if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway and it is close to you. Many inside doorways are lightly constructed and do not offer protection.

5. Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not exit a building during the shaking. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.

6. Do not use elevators.

7. Be aware that the electricity may go out.

If Outdoors
1. Stay there
2. Move away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires.
3. Onve in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Many fatalities from earthquakes occur when people run outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass and falling objects.

If in a Moving Vehicle
1. Stops as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses and utility wires.

2. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

3. If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance.

If Trapped Under Debris
1. Do no light a match.

2. Do not move about or kick up dust.

3. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

4. Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

What to do after an earthquake?
1. When the shaking stops, look around to make sure it is safe to move.

2. Expect and prepare for potential aftershocks, landslides or even a tsunami. Tsunamis are often generated by earthquakes in coastal areas.

3. Each time you feel an aftershock, drop, cover and hold on. Aftershocks frequently occur for minutes, days, weeks and even months following an earthquake.

4. Look for and extinguish small fires. Fire is the most common hazard after an earthquake.

5. Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and stay out of damaged areas.

6. Hel injured or trapped persons. Remember to help your neighbours who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly and people with access and functional needs. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.

7. Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas.

8. Use the telephone only for emergency calls so that emergency services can respond to those in need.

9. Inspect utilities.

- Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the Fire Service.

- Look for electrical system damage. If you see  sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity