Lately Indonesia is in sorrow. This is because of a lot of natural disasters happened lately. Gunung Merapi eruption, avalanche in Wasior, Tsunami in Mentawai. I live in Jakarta actually, but lately Jakarta was on chaos because of flood attack last week. Because of the flood, there was a lot of traffic jams almost everywhere in Jakarta. Thousands of people stuck in the traffic congestion for almost 8 hours back then. Besides, Jakarta also have a record in earthquake. Last earthquake happened when I was studying in class with my friends and lecturer. It was very shocking, though it only happened for less than 5 minutes. Fortunately I am still alive and healthy after that.
3 weeks ago, one of my lecturer; Mr. Budiman Natadiningrat, gave us a very weird assignment. The assignment was to prepare your own personal survival kit and take a picture of it (as you can see on my previous post
My Personal Survival Kit). At that time I just laughed and thought that this assignment was a joke. But now, I think what he done to us was really beneficial. I start to plan for discussion with my friends about the disaster-things like this. Seriously, we need to be well-prepared.
And tonight, I just check out this article on Jakarta Globe about
What to Do When Mother Nature Strikes :
Earthquake. Don’t panic. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur.
Minimize your movements to a nearby safe place.
If you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure that exiting is safe.
If indoors: Drop to the ground, take cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture and hold on until the shaking stops.
If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway.
Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside.
Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
Do not use the elevators as they might stop and strand you.
If outdoors: Stay there. Move away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires.
The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls.
Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury.
Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass and falling objects.
If in a moving vehicle: Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle.
Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses and utility wires.
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped.
Avoid roads, bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
If trapped under debris: Do not light a match.
Do not move about or kick up dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you.
Use a whistle if one is available.
Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
Tsunami. An earthquake is a natural tsunami warning.
If you feel a strong quake, do not stay close to shore.
If you hear of an earthquake, be aware of the possibility of a tsunami and listen to the radio or television for additional information.
Remember that an earthquake can trigger killer waves thousands of miles across the ocean many hours after the event generated a tsunami.
An approaching tsunami is preceded by an unusual fall or rise in the water level.
If you see the ocean receding unusually rapidly, that’s a good sign that a tsunami may be on its way.
Go to high ground immediately.
A tsunami is a series of waves and the first wave may not be the most dangerous.
The danger from a tsunami can last for several hours after the arrival of the first wave strikes.
A tsunami wave train may come as a series of surges that are five minutes to an hour apart.
The cycle may be marked by a repeated retreat and advance of the ocean.
Stay out of danger until you hear it is safe.
Use your common sense. If you feel or hear of a strong earthquake do not wait for an official tsunami warning.
Tell your family and friends to join you in leaving for high ground.
Or, for more information, you can visit my lecturer; Mr. Budiman Natadiningrat's website
here.
It's really useful guide for common people like us are not well-aware :)
