The tremors from the Nepal earthquake were experienced in various parts of Uttarkhand, among other Indian States. At a time when some senior scientists are pointing at the probability of an earthquake in Uttarakhand, raising public awareness on precautionary and other measures can help mitigate the damage from an earthquake, stated the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) PR Manager Amit Pokhriyal.
According to Pokhriyal, “Information regarding safety during earthquake should be shared and families should made contingency plans providing information to the children on how to tackle such situations. Architects or structural engineers should be approached for inclusion of seismic safety aspects in buildings. One should also arrange stock of canned foods, drinking water, battery operated radio, flashlights and other important items. In case of an emergency situation, the gas and water connections should be turned off.
During an earthquake, those unable to come out of buildings should stay in a secure place in stead of rushing down the stairs especially in a multi-storeyed building. One should stay away from almirahs and heavy furniture during a quake to avoid injury. Those living in multi-storeyed buildings should not go near windows during a quake as they may fall out due to vibrations.
Those who are outdoors during a tremor should look for a clean space away from high buildings, trees and electricity poles-cables. In case you are driving during an earthquake, you should slow down and stop at an open site and remain inside the vehicle till the tremor lasts. Overhead water tanks on homes and other buildings should not be too heavy. Since earthquakes can neither be predicted nor prevented, the government should raise public awareness on this subject through various media,” said the UCOST PR manager.