Don't Panic, Here are 6 Safe and Effective Ways to Save Yourself During an Earthquake

Kapanlagi.com - Monday (22/06) at 02.33 AM, an earthquake struck the southern coastal area of Java Island. According to the official announcement from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 on the Richter scale was centered at 9.11 LS - 110.85 BT or 107 km Southwest of Pacitan Regency, East Java. The earthquake tremors that could be felt as far as East Java and Yogyakarta Special Region caused panic.

Being located at the meeting point of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates, as well as having many volcanoes, the Indonesian people must get used to earthquakes. On their official website bmkg.go.id, BMKG announces almost every day the occurrence of earthquakes in various regions of Indonesia.

Earthquakes are natural disasters that cannot be prevented, but they can be anticipated. By implementing safe and effective ways to save yourself during an earthquake, it can prevent many casualties.

Here are several ways to save yourself during an earthquake, summarized from the official guide from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

1. Finding a Safe Place

(credit: pixabay)

The first thing to do to save yourself during an earthquake is to find a safe place. When outside of a building, you can go to an open area.

A place far from buildings, trees, electric poles, and other objects that may collapse due to the earthquake. But if an earthquake occurs while you are inside a room, you can take cover in several places, such as: the corner of a building, under a table, under a bed, or behind a door.

However, if possible, it is best to try to get out of the room immediately. To be safer, when walking out, you can wear a helmet or other objects to protect your head. In addition, choose the safest route possible. Avoid glass or windows that may break during an earthquake.

2. Turn off the Stove

Don't forget to turn off the stove if an earthquake occurs while you are cooking. The goal, of course, is to prevent a fire. In addition to turning off the stove, you also need to make sure that the electricity or electronic devices are turned off. Because electrical short circuits can also be a trigger for fires.

3. Do Not Use Elevator

(credit: pixabay)

When in a multi-story building and an earthquake occurs, do not even think about using the elevator. It is better to use the emergency stairs as an evacuation route. This is because elevators that rely on electricity during an earthquake can suddenly stop working. However, if you happen to be in an elevator when an earthquake occurs, quickly press the button that contacts the building manager. Communicate that you are in the elevator and need to exit and save yourself. 

4. Follow the Officers

Follow the instructions given by security or building evacuation officers (if available). Obey every rule and try to evacuate in an orderly and calm manner. Disruptive behavior can actually cause chaos and endanger safety

5. When in a Car or Vehicle

Strong earthquakes can disrupt the balance of riders. Shaky roads will make it difficult for riders to control their vehicles. So, the way to save yourself during an earthquake while driving is to pull over to the side of the road or an open space.

6. Stay Alert

(credit: bmkg.go.id)

When the earthquake shaking has stopped, you still need to stay alert. Always follow updated information, especially regarding the possibility of aftershocks and other natural disasters that can occur after an earthquake, such as tsunamis or landslides. If there is an early warning of a natural disaster or aftershock, immediately evacuate to a safer place.

Those are some of the ways to save yourself during an earthquake. So, if an earthquake happens again in the future, you can follow the tips above without hesitation or panic.

(kpl/psp)