No one can accurately predict exactly when an earthquake will occur – at least not yet. This is notwithstanding that earthquake detectors help provide 10 seconds warning and earthquake apps to use hours ahead of the disaster. Whether your region is earthquake-prone or you’re traveling to one soon, here are a few tips to help you survive an earthquake.

Preparing for an Earthquake

The best hack for survival is preparation. Fill your emergency kit with water and purification, food, phone, money, tablets, power bank, first aid kit, and keep essential documents like travel insurance and passport in your daypack. If you’re in an earthquake-prone area, always keep this bag, as it’s your lifeline in such emergencies.

1. Write down your important contacts and their phone numbers. Your tour company, travel insurance company, and airline are essential contacts to keep too. You also need to have the emergency and embassy’s contacts to update family and friends.
2. Identify an evacuation space close to your house or accommodation. Ideally, this is an open area far away from power lines, bridges, or overhanging trees.
3. There are secondary dangers to look out for, like tsunamis in water-based areas or coastal areas, in which case you should identify a high ground. In the case of the hilly regions with landslides, you should look for broad ridges, open or flat areas.
4. Identify safe spots in your room too. Underneath solid pieces of furniture is a great place, and if you can’t find one, look for an area away from windows, heavy furniture, and objects that can fall on you.

Staying Safe in an Earthquake

If you’re close to the exit of a house when the earth begins, evacuate to an open spot away from buildings, power lines, bridges, and trees and cover your head while on the ground.

1. Don’t rush outside during the shaking, as many earthquake injuries occur when people try to run. You will be safer under a sturdy piece of furniture, under your bed, or close to an internal wall. Doorframes aren’t safe either, except it’s a woodhouse.
2. Another idea is to stay in bed and protect your head by covering it with a pillow.

After an Earthquake

Remember the evacuation points we identified earlier? Now is the time to move. But be sure it’s safe to move and remember to take your emergency kit.

Contact your embassy and emergency contacts to update family and friends. Save your phone battery and keep your family and friends updated at all times.

Get on social media or check-in apps and post a message to inform people about your safety. If you’re stuck under the rubbles, conserve your energy, and do not move. Be alert to call for help when you sense people nearby. Conserve your essentials – especially food and water, as it’s uncertain how long before help arrives.

Preparation, staying alert, and keeping the above tips in mind will help you survive an earthquake.