Remain calm during earthquake, says official

By LULU MARK
EARTHQUAKE can cause panic leading to injuries thus it is important to remain calm, use common sense and stick to basic rules, an official says.
St John Ambulance chief executive officer Matthew Cannon said people indoors during an earthquake should stay there “until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside”.
He said people must not leave a building during the tremor as research had shown that most injuries occurred when people tried to move to a different location inside the building or to leave.
“Drop to the floor, take cover by getting under a study table or piece of furniture and hold on to it so that it doesn’t move away and wait there until the shaking stops,” he said.
“If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in a corner of the building.
“Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
“Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes and hold on and protect your head with a pillow.”
But if near a structure or heavy object which could fall, move to the nearest safe place,” he said.
“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.
“Do not use the elevators.”