[KYHAM] KEN Training July 15: Earthquakes, During and After

[Ron Dodson]

These past three weeks we have looked at the earthquake
threat and found ways to prepare your family, home and
workplace for a major quake.  This week we will discuss
emergency actions for during and after the quake, when it
comes.  

When the quake comes, many will be indoors.  DO NOT RUN
OUTSIDE when the quake begins.  You are far safer staying
inside as many are killed or injured by falling masonry and
other debris.  Drop, Cover and Hold.  Get under sturdy
furniture like a desk or table if possible, tuck your head
and place your hands over you neck and head.  If that is not
possible, brace yourself in a doorway being mindful of any
doors which may swing closed or position yourself against an
interior wall and cover you head and neck with your hands. 
Wait until the shaking stops before moving also remember
many aftershocks can follow in the hours and days after an
earthquake.  Some may be small tremors while others may be
as strong or even stronger than the initial quake.

If you are outside during the quake, try to move into an
open area away from buildings trees and utility lines. 
Drop, Cover and Hold until the quake subsides.  In a
vehicle, pull off the roadway and remain in the automobile
until things settle down.  Watch for downed utility lines
and damaged roadways, overpasses and bridges in your path.  

After the quake you will want to check for injuries and
property damage around you.  Keep an eye out for gas leaks
and water line breaks.  Only attempt to use the phone if you
have an emergency requiring immediate attention.  Do not be
surprised if the system is down.  Check your radio or
portable TV to get general information on the incident.  If
you have your amateur gear available and functioning, check
in on the local designated emergency frequency and remember
to check 3.888 and 7.228 MHz. for the Ky Emergency Net if
you have HF capability.  If the net has not been opened, go
ahead and open the net if possible and you feel that the
situation warrants.  You can always close the net or hand
net control off to someone else later.  Do not be afraid to
open an emergency net if you see that it is needed.  To
many times amateurs will sit and listen or a group will
congregate on an emergency net frequency and wonder aloud,
"Where's so and so and why isn't the net open?"  Good
question, you're here, OPEN IT.  DO NOT WAIT ON SOMEONE TO
DO IT FOR YOU!!!   I often hear hams say, "Gee, there must
have been six or seven of us here on frequency and the net
control did not show up so we went on and did something
else".   Why any one of them did not take charge of the
situation and open the net, I have no clue.   Granted
sometimes you may not be in a position to take charge of a
net.  BUT, out of several stations sitting on a frequency,
surely one could have done something even on a temporary
basis.

We need to realize the dangers out there and take the 
steps that we can to be as prepared as possible before 
they strike.  

Earthquakes, like storms, will come in their own good time. 
We must prepare now so that we are ready when nature's alarm
clock rings.