A professional survival instructor told how to survive during an earthquake on the MIR 24 TV channel. Alexey Sedoy.

– How to behave so as not to end up under the rubble?

Alexey Sedoy: There are three classic scenarios: before, during and after the event. Information about an earthquake is either delayed or arrives simultaneously with it. We must remember that an earthquake never occurs immediately at its maximum - small tremors occur first. Therefore, if you quickly find your bearings, you can take a safer place.

Pets sense the approach of various natural disasters. If you notice strange behavior in your animal, you can call two or three animal friends and find out how their pets are behaving now. A changed behavior pattern of an animal is one of the signs of the approach of some natural phenomenon. If you are in the apartment at this moment, leave it immediately.

– What to do during the first tremors? Do you have to immediately run outside?

Alexey Sedoy: It depends on the house and how worn it is. There are earthquake-resistant and non-earthquake-resistant houses.

– Are there any safe places inside the house?

Alexey Sedoy: Conditionally safe places are considered to be a doorway in a load-bearing wall and small rooms, for example, toilets and a bathroom. The bathtub itself can also save you, because when it falls, the floor slab rests on the sides of the bathtub. In any case, the first thing you need to do is grab your passport and mobile phone. At the same time, in any extreme situation, whether you are lost in the forest or caught in an earthquake, do not waste your phone’s charge, keep it dry and communicate only with rescuers.

– The United States holds annual earthquake drills. There they teach, among other things, to cover your head and neck with your hands. Is that necessary?

Alexey Sedoy: Yes, this is correct practice. Another correct position is to lie on your side, looking down and covering your neck with your hands. This way you protect vital important organs.

– What are the chances of survival for residents of the upper floors of multi-storey buildings?

Alexey Sedoy: In any case, the elevator must not be used during evacuation.

– What to do if an earthquake hits you while driving a car?

Alexey Sedoy: You must stop immediately, get out of the car, and leave the roadway. If you are on the border of a populated area, then you need to go to the side of the road. If you are in locality, then two or three (up to 10) cars need to block the intersection and stay inside this safe space. On the street you need to save yourself at an intersection. The middle of an intersection, especially one blocked by cars, is the safest place.

Any natural disaster causes panic among the population. In order to avoid wrong actions, every person should know exactly how to behave during such situations. One of the most common is earthquakes. It is impossible to prevent it, but you can save your life. The main thing is not to succumb to public panic and maintain a sober mind. But to understand what to do during an earthquake, you need to know what this cataclysm is.

More about the phenomenon

Earthquakes occur due to vibrations and tremors of the Earth's surface; they are caused by tectonic processes or can be provoked during a strong explosion. In fact, such phenomena occur quite often on our planet, but not all lead to catastrophic consequences. Many occur under the thickness of the oceans, and we simply do not feel them. In any case, everyone should know what to do in case of an earthquake. Whether you save your life or not directly depends on the correctness of your actions.

Some earthquakes underwater cause strong tsunamis that hit powerful force and claim millions of lives. Humanity will never be able to control geophysical planetary processes. That is why there are services that monitor the development of future disasters and take appropriate measures to save the population.

Classification of earthquakes depending on points

There is a specialized earthquake scale that measures magnitude and intensity. The latter is calculated by points, which are determined by deformation earth's crust and the degree of destruction of surface buildings and structures. Let's consider a more detailed twelve-point Mercalli scale:

• 1 - Such tremors are completely unnoticed by people; only high-precision devices react to minor vibrations in the earth’s crust.
• 2 - Vibrations are felt by residents of high-rise buildings. Others will not pay attention to this phenomenon.
• 3 - Noticeable vibration occurs on the top floors of a high-rise building. Chandeliers can sway, water in a glass trembles. A car parked in a parking lot will set off the alarm due to noticeable vibrations.
• 4 - Can be described as a moderate earthquake. Everyone who is in the room will definitely feel the movement of the earth's plates. Doors and windows begin to loosen, and the glass makes a characteristic rattling sound. This is especially noticeable in the middle of the night, many people wake up.
• 5 - Such an earthquake does not go unnoticed, everyone feels the vibrations earth's surface. In many apartments, cracks appear on the windows and objects fall from the shelves.
• 6 - Fluctuations cause public panic. Everyone starts running out into the streets, and pieces of furniture move around the apartment on their own. Heavy objects fall from shelves. Even the trees emit a characteristic rustling of leaves, and the cracking of trunks can be heard.
• 7 - An earthquake strong enough to knock a person off his feet. Many buildings are covered in cracks, and unstable soil is collapsing. The water in lakes and rivers suddenly becomes cloudy from silt raised from the bottom. Furniture breaks, dishes break.
• 8 - An earthquake that destroys buildings. Branches on trees break, the ground cracks underfoot.

• 9 - A catastrophic situation during which buildings are destroyed and many people die. Dams are collapsing and water pipes are bursting under pressure.
• 10 - The earth doesn't just shake, it moves, and entire cities collapse. As a rule, a couple of hours before a disaster, animals begin to panic, anticipating imminent death. Huge cracks form in the soil, and water splashes out of rivers and lakes. Rails can be deformed.
• 11 - Almost all buildings are destroyed, only a few buildings manage to survive. Railway tracks are deformed for kilometers.
• 12 - A real catastrophe that destroys all living things. Even river beds change, and out of the blue, fountains begin to burst out of the ground. Completely new lakes are formed, the landscape is transformed beyond recognition.

The higher the earthquake scale, the more difficult it is to correct the consequences. During major disasters, entire cities are destroyed and people are left homeless. Their houses turn into ruins, and rescuers take a long time to retrieve the bodies of the dead from under the rubble.

How is magnitude determined?

The magnitude of earthquakes is determined based on the data obtained from the exact measuring device- seismograph. Its more common name is the Richter scale. It was developed back in 1935, and since then has been widely used by specialists around the world. It is the amount of energy that is released during a disaster that is taken into account in this scale.

Below are the main figures by which the magnitude of any earthquake is determined:

• 2.0 - very weak tremors that not all residents are able to notice;
• 4.5 - moderate ground vibrations, causing movement objects and minor damage;
• 6.0 - shocks of such force that buildings are destroyed (during them it is difficult for people to stand on their feet);
• 8.5 - catastrophic consequences (entire cities literally turn into piles of garbage).

Scientists believe that cataclysms with a magnitude higher than 9.0 cannot occur on the planet.

It's better to prevent than to fix it later

Proper protection of the population from earthquakes significantly reduces the overall percentage of victims. If a possible source of a future disaster is identified, then people must be evacuated. But in any case, everyone must take care of their own safety. You need to be prepared at all times for such an incident and know exactly what to do in the event of an earthquake.

First, take preparatory measures to help cope with panic and the unexpected. natural disaster. If you live in a seismic zone, you should definitely have a standard set of items at home that are designed to survive in a dangerous situation. Be sure to collect all documents and keep them in a visible place.

The most important rules

Let's consider the basic measures to prepare for a disaster, as well as what to do in case of an earthquake:

• A first aid kit with all necessary medications should always be in a visible place in your home. Be sure to put a lighter and a battery-powered radio in there.
• Buy a small fire extinguisher and check that it is working properly.
• Situations may be different, so it is better to know the basic rules of first aid. In an emergency, you must be able to independently help others and yourself, take the necessary medications and apply splints to the fracture sites.
• At the slightest shock, immediately turn off the taps that supply gas, water and electricity to your home.
• It is better to securely attach heavy furniture to the floor so as not to be crushed by your favorite wardrobe.
• Always keep the action and evacuation plan in sight, think about where it is best to hide with all family members.
• Do not keep heavy or breakable items on shelves.
• Have a supply of water (at least a small flask with you).

Earthquake Actions and Safety Rules

Each person first of all independently ensures his own safety during an earthquake. If you feel tremors, then you should not try to move in a state of panic. If you are indoors, it is better to immediately choose a safe corner and lie down on the floor. Do not forget to protect your head with your hands from possible fragments and falling objects. Do not get up until you are sure that the shaking has completely stopped.

According to statistics, many people die from falling objects. These are cabinets, televisions, heavy figurines, etc. You can escape from a collapsing building, the main thing is to choose the right tactics. In any case, remain calm and do not run outside or indoors.

Follow all the earthquake rules that are developed by rescuers, and then you will save own life. Be sure to lie down on the floor and move only by crawling. Standing on your feet will likely cause you much more serious damage.

If you live in a dilapidated brick building, then at the slightest shock, grab your documents and run outside. Try to avoid standing near high-rise buildings and trees, find an open, safe area.

Unusual situations and how to survive them

Follow all earthquake safety precautions. If you are on crowded public transport, it is better to leave it and take a horizontal position.

Even being in an elevator requires that a person lie down on the floor. This way you can protect yourself. As soon as everything stops, exit on the first floor and run outside. If the doors are blocked and you feel that the building has undergone significant damage, wait for help from rescuers.

While in a stadium or theater, stay still and cover your head with your hands. In such a situation, there is a high risk of dying from a crush, so do not panic and try to calm those around you.

If you are driving, turn off the car in a safe place. There should be no buildings or bridges nearby. After this, do not go outside, stay in the car. The best thing to do is turn on the radio and listen to the authorities' recommendations on what to do next.

Every urban citizen should know earthquake safety rules. If your home is located near a dam, move to a safe distance from it. When in mountainous areas, take care to stay as far away from high ground as possible.

A person who moves in a wheelchair must block the wheels of the wheelchair, otherwise they will begin to spin on their own, and such an uncontrollable situation will lead to unpleasant consequences.

Compliance with the above rules will ensure maximum safety during earthquakes.

What is prohibited?

Most people die due to wrong actions. They unknowingly put their lives in great danger. Remember what not to do during an earthquake:

• do not move around the building and do not try to run out into the street if you live on the top floor;
• Do not stand in doorways under any circumstances;
• do not panic and act without fuss.

These actions will definitely provoke unfavorable situations that will threaten your life. Now you know what to do during an earthquake and how best not to behave.

Basic actions after an earthquake

Protecting the population from earthquakes is not always successful; the consequences of a disaster are often terrible and require rescuers to work around the clock. Specialists are pulling people out of the rubble and providing emergency medical care. If you hear people talking not far from you, but cannot move, then be sure to give a sign and shout with all your might.

The rubble is cleared after the population is rescued. It is fitted with the help of which the debris of destroyed structures is removed.

If a disaster does occur, what should you do? Rescuers advise to behave as follows:

• Try to stand on your feet and examine all parts of your body, you may have
• Look around, find out if there are people near you who cannot get up on their own. Help them get out from under the rubble.
• Reassure the children and keep them in sight, explain that the parents will be found soon. It is necessary to take care of the kids until child psychologists and other specialized help arrive.
• Check for a gas leak and leave the room at the slightest smell (an explosion may occur).
• Don't panic and be prepared for aftershocks.

Only confident actions will save your life. You should always know exactly what to do in case of an earthquake. Turn on the radio whenever possible. Listen carefully to what to do during an earthquake. State rescue services at the slightest danger they contact the population. This is the only way to prevent large-scale human losses.

The main thing is to behave correctly and be able to reassure others. Panic makes the situation worse. Only well-thought-out actions save people's lives.

The most destructive earthquakes in history

• 1139 - disaster in Ganja. The force of the shock was 11 points. More than 200 thousand people died.
• 1202 - natural disaster in Syria and Egypt. About 1 million people died. The earthquake is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the most destructive in history.
• 1556 - about 850 thousand people became victims.
• 1737 - as a result of strong tremors in India, about 300 thousand people died.
• 1883 - The eruption of the Krakatoa volcano resulted in one of the largest earthquakes in history. More than 40 thousand inhabitants of the islands of Java and Sumatra died.
• 1950 - the earthquake in India was so strong that seismic instruments went off scale and were unable to determine the magnitude of the vibrations. After five days of continuous tremors, the eastern part of India was reduced to ruins. 6 thousand people died because the shaking was not in a densely populated area.
• 1995 - earthquakes measuring 10 points claimed the lives of many thousands of Sakhalin residents. The city of Neftegorsk disappeared from the face of the Earth.
• 2010 - shaking in Haiti. 150 thousand people died.
• 2011 - a terrible earthquake in Japan caused a tsunami, a significant radiation leak and the death of about 30 thousand people.

The vast majority of earthquakes last about one, rarely more than one minute. However, the intensity of the oscillations during this time is not the same. As a rule, an earthquake begins with relatively weak vibrations (sometimes imperceptible), which last 10-20 seconds, then the main phase of the earthquake begins, in which the vibrations reach their greatest intensity, then a gradual decline follows.

Well-constructed and well-maintained buildings, which do not have special anti-seismic measures, can withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 6 without much damage. Buildings in unsatisfactory technical condition and dilapidated, under threat strong earthquakes doubly dangerous.

Before the earthquake

Inside your home, firmly attach cabinets, shelving, and cabinetry to the walls and floor. Furniture, standing and hanging objects in residential premises are placed so that if they fall, the sleeping persons will not be injured and the passages and exits from the apartment will remain free. All heavy objects should be moved to lower shelves and areas. Shelves with dishes must be closed. Attach chandeliers and overhead lights securely; do not use glass shades.

Do not block passages and exits from rooms and apartments with things. Flammable, caustic, toxic liquids and powders must be securely sealed, closed in strong, secured containers and boxes.

All family members should be well aware of the safest places in living quarters: in the openings of internal main walls near these walls, at supporting columns and under frame beams, in the corners of internal main walls and under durable furniture (tables, beds). And dangerous places too: near large glazed openings and partitions, corner rooms of buildings, especially the top floors.

During an earthquake

Don't panic! Quickly focus on executing previously thought-out actions, but be prepared to act according to circumstances.

In the house/apartment:

If you are in a low building, up to 2-3 floors, then it is better to leave it quickly. Moreover, this should be done if the building is not earthquake-resistant. Run out quickly but carefully, beware of falling objects, downed wires and other sources of danger, and immediately move away from the building to an open area.

When on the upper floors of a multi-story building, do not rush towards stairs or elevators. Most likely, they will be crowded with people, and the elevators will be disabled. Therefore, it is better to stay in the building and, having first opened the entrance door, which may later become jammed due to distortions, quickly take the safest place in the room: under durable furniture, at the supporting column wall closest to the center of the building, in the doorway of the main walls, in the corner rooms. And always away from windows, heavy objects and equipment that could tip over. Provide assistance to the disabled and elderly.

Do not enter or run around buildings. Once near a tall building, stand in the doorway, this will protect you from falling pieces of glass, balconies, cornices and parapets. It is best to be in an open place, away from buildings and power lines.

In transport

Any vehicle must be stopped calmly and quickly, as far as possible from tall buildings, overpasses, bridges, power lines or anything that could collapse from strong shocks. Bus and tram drivers must open all doors after stopping their transport.

After the earthquake

While in the building, remain calm and assess the situation. Examine yourself and those around you, and if necessary, provide medical assistance to those in need. Wear sturdy shoes to avoid damaging your feet from splinters and debris. When going down the stairs, check the reliability of its structures.

Check for fire hazards. Any fire that occurs must be extinguished immediately. If you notice damage to electrical wiring, turn off the power if you have not already done so.

MENSBY

4.9

How a tourist can survive an earthquake. What to do if you are traveling to an area with increased seismic hazard, and how to behave during an earthquake.

Natural disasters are the last thing you want to think about when going on vacation. But ignorance of some simple rules in an extreme situation it can cost you your life. Therefore, today we have prepared a short guide on what to do if you are going to an earthquake-prone place, and how to behave in case of an earthquake.

Before leaving.

Of course, our consulates are still far from the kind of program for caring for compatriots that exists in the United States: any citizen of this country, going on a trip abroad, can register via the Internet on the State Department website and be sure that during natural disaster he won't be forgotten. But we still have the opportunity, if we decide to go to a troubled country, to register with the consulate. It's worth doing!

After arrival.

After you arrive at the place, get yourself an “alarm notebook”: always keep local emergency phone numbers and consulate numbers at hand, and also write down the following in it: English(or even better - in the language of the country where you are), contact numbers of your loved ones or friends and make a note that you should contact them if something happens to you. Never part with these records! Always carry a copy of your passport and health insurance policy with you.

At the hotel.

Once you check into a hotel, identify safe places in your room where you can hide in the event of an earthquake. Carefully inspect the room: you will probably find a heavy, reliable desk that you can crawl under (it’s good if it is not near the window, but against the internal main wall). Another safer place is the bathroom or toilet, since small rooms are the last to be destroyed. Contrary to popular belief, a doorway is not a good shelter. Look around where there is heavy furniture, such as all kinds of cabinets, wardrobes, racks - it can fall and knock you down. You need to stay away from her.

In the room during an earthquake.

If an earthquake finds you in your room, immediately go to the previously found safe place. If there is no sturdy furniture in the room, simply crawl into the inner corner of the room, squat down and cover your face and head with your hands. If you are in bed during a disaster, you can stay in bed with a blanket and pillow to protect your head. But look around so that there are no lamps, pictures, bookshelves or other objects above you that could fall.

On the street during an earthquake.

When an earthquake occurs on the street, you should try to move as far as possible from high-rise buildings and wait out the disaster in a large open space (there is probably a stadium, football field, or vacant lot nearby). Drivers should stop away from bridges, overpasses and power lines. Until the shaking stops, do not get out of the car or unfasten your seat belts.

Under the rubble.

If you are buried during an earthquake, never light matches or lighters to illuminate the area around you (although the lamps will probably be damaged and it will be dark). The fact is that when the building is destroyed, a gas leak could occur, and then any spark would cause an explosion. Cover your mouth and nose with clothing or a handkerchief because inhaling dust can be dangerous. Try to move as little as possible so as not to collapse the rest of the building and save energy. Think about how you can attract the attention of rescuers. It's good if you always have a whistle with you. Try to find sewer or heating pipes and knock on them.

After the earthquake.

After the tremors have subsided, wait a little before leaving a safe place: they may recur and take you by surprise. If your hotel or any other building you are in is not damaged, it is better to stay inside, otherwise, leave the premises. Use the stairs only, and never enter the elevator. Before you go out, wear sturdy shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from the dust, shrapnel and debris that fill partially destroyed buildings. Be careful not to step on a broken wire; also look for broken wires nearby. gas pipes. If you are in low-lying coastal areas, try to move to higher ground and listen to tsunami warnings.

Returning home.

Once you've made sure that you and your fellow travelers are okay, it's time to think about the journey home. After natural disasters, there is little hope that you will be able to fly out of the country on your scheduled flight. First of all, contact the consulate or go to its website: there should be instructions on how to act and where to go. Call the airline and find out when you can fly home. If the prospects are unclear, continue to “storm” the consulate. Perhaps it will be created hotline» for compatriots: provide your coordinates so that you can be contacted promptly if an additional flight for evacuation is organized. But don’t wait for weather by the sea: try to consider alternative escape routes. For example, think about how you can travel by land to another airport in a safe area and fly out from there. Find out if tickets are available (if the Internet is not available, have your friends back home do it).

At home.

If you had to see a doctor within a few weeks of returning because you developed a rash, respiratory problems, or other unpleasant symptoms, be sure to tell the doctors that you were in a disaster area, may have inhaled hazardous dust, or were otherwise exposed elements.

Once you feel the first tremors, the most important thing is to react immediately. Slow people are most often victims of earthquakes: falling parts of the ceiling, walls and objects. The shaking of the ground may startle you, but try to remain calm and in control.

Step 2

While in the building:

1. Immediately take a safe place: stand in the doorway, crawl under the bed or under the table. Stay away from windows and heavy objects such as a refrigerator or stove - they can tip over or move.

2. Don't run out of the building. Debris falling along the walls poses a serious danger. It would be better to wait out the shock there, and after it is over, move to a safe place. (There are exceptions to this point)

3. Do not panic those around you with your actions (shouting, fuss) - maintain a sane mind.

4. Don't rush to use elevators and stairs. Most often there is crowds at these places, and the stairs often collapse after tremors.

5. Be mentally prepared. The sound of breaking glass, cracking walls, a fire siren, electricity failure are factors that affect the psyche. Be prepared for this.

6. Don't jump from windows. You can get damaged while the building is in perfect order.

Exception to point 2: If you are in an unfortified brick building, it would be better to run out of it. At the same time, observing safety rules and dodging falling objects.

Step 3

If you are caught in an earthquake OUTSIDE your home:

1. If tremors catch you on the sidewalk near tall building, run to an open area to avoid falling debris.

2. If you were driving a car at that moment, you should stop it smoothly away from high-rise buildings and bridges. Wait for the aftershocks to end.

Step 4

What to do after an earthquake:
1. Stay calm.
2. Assess the situation.
3. Help people cope with the consequences: find fires and put them out; help pull people out of the rubble; try to support and encourage children and victims; turn off the gas screws; assist doctors, police, the Ministry of Emergency Situations and everyone involved in rescue operations.
4. Contact your family and friends and let them know about your safety.