Precautions for Earthquakes

Japan experiences unusually frequent earthquakes.

It is always important to know what to do in the case of an earthquake, in order to reduce
damage and injury caused by earthquakes to the minimum possible.
Here are some basic guidelines to follow in preparing for earthquakes and dealing with their
aftermath.
1. Advance Preparations

(1) Improve your homes earthquake resilience

Evaluate your homes earthquake resilience, and improve it through steps such as
fastening down furniture and putting anti-shatter coatings on glass windows.
(2) Stockpile water and foodstuffs
You should have at least three days worth of drinking water and foodstuffs stockpiled.
You should also have radios and flashlights prepared.

(3) Participate in disaster training

Get to know the people in your community better by getting actively involved in
community disaster training.

(4) Discuss disaster preparedness with your family

Verify how you will get in touch with each other and where the relief shelters are.
2. What To Do After an Earthquake

(1) The first two minutes after an earthquake

Protect yourself.
Stay away from furniture that could topple over, and hide under a desk or table. Do not
panic and run outside.

(2) Immediately following an earthquake

Prevent fires and secure escape routes.
Shut off gas valves and unplug electrical cords. If a fire breaks out, calmly begin to put it
out. Secure escape routes by opening doors and windows.

(3) The first three days following an earthquake

Make sure your family is safe, and watch out for aftershocks.

Stay away from houses that have started to collapse. Call out to your neighbors, and
depending on the situation, head for a shelter on foot.
Assist neighbors with firefighting, rescue, and relief.

Cooperate with your neighbors to put out fires and rescue and attend to the injured.
Fend for yourself.
Use the drinking water and food that youve stockpiled. Beware of false rumors and
rely only on correct information.

(4) From the fourth day onward

Survival and Recovery
Even after four days, you should watch out for aftershocks. Stay informed. Work towards
getting things back to normal.
3. What To Do During an Earthquake

(1) Stop driving.

With a firm grip on the steering wheel, gradually reduce your speed, pull over to the left

side of the road, and shut off the engine.

Until the tremors subside, calmly assess your surroundings and use your car radio to

stay informed.
If you need to take shelter, leave your key in the ignition and the door unlocked. Taking
your vehicle inspection papers and other important belongings with you, head for a
shelter on foot.

(2) On the Road

Dont just stand there. Use a bag or something else to protect your head from falling

objects such as glass and building signs, and seek shelter in an open area or park.
Dont get too close to cinder block walls or vending machines.
Watch out for telephone poles that are about to fall over and dangling power lines.
If there is no open space nearby, calmly assess your surroundings and move somewhere
with a high degree of safety, away from buildings.

(3) Near the Shore

If you feel tremors, immediately seek the safety of high ground. Stay away from the
shore until all tsunami alerts and warnings are lifted.

(4) On the Train

Grip the railing or hand strap tightly.

Even if the train stops between stations, do not exit the train on your own through a

window or door using the emergency door override.

Calmly follow the instructions given to you by the conductors.

What to Do Before an Earthquake

Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered
radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home.
Learn first aid.
Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.
Make up a plan of where to meet your family after an earthquake.
Don't leave heavy objects on shelves (they'll fall during a quake).
Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor.
Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.

What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay calm! If you're indoors, stay inside. If you're outside, stay outside.
If you're indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building,
stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table).
Stay away from windows and outside doors.
If you're outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything
that might fall. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the
building or the building could fall on you).
Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don't
mix.
If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake
stops.
Don't use elevators (they'll probably get stuck anyway).

What to Do After an Earthquake

Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who
needs it.
Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut
off the valves. Check for the smell of gas. If you smell it, open all the
windows and doors, leave immediately, and report it to the authorities
(use someone else's phone).
Turn on the radio. Don't use the phone unless it's an emergency.
Stay out of damaged buildings.
Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to
keep from cutting your feet.
Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you).
Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis and seiches sometimes hit after the
ground has stopped shaking.
Stay away from damaged areas.
If you're at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the
instructions of the person in charge.
Expect aftershocks.
Cyclone Safety Tips
Cyclones are frequent visitors of Australia between November and April.
Cyclones mainly affect coastal areas north of Perth along the WA and NT
coasts, most of the QLD coast and occasionally the far northern NSW coast.
Here are some precautionary measures as recommended by Emergency
Management Australia

Before the cyclone season, check with your local council if your home
has been built to cyclone standards.
Check that the walls, roof and eaves of your home are secure.

Trim treetops and branches well clear of your home (get council
permission).
Fit shutters, or at least metal screens, to all glass areas.
Clear your property of loose material that could blow about and
possibly cause injury or damage during extreme winds.
In case of a storm warning or other flooding, know your nearest safe
high ground and the safest access route to it.
Prepare an emergency kit to take with you and keep a list of
emergency numbers on display.
When a cyclone watch is issued, fill your car's fuel tank. Ensure that
your family members know which is the strongest part of your house.
Listen continuously to your local radio/TV for further warnings.
When the cyclone strikes, disconnect all electrical appliances. Listen to
your battery radio for updates.
Stay indoors (unless you are asked to evacuate) in the strongest part
of the building, i.e. cellar, internal hallway or bathroom. Keep evacuation
and emergency kits with you.
Protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets under a strong table
or bench if the building starts to break up.
Drive carefully as roads may be filled with debris.
Before The Cyclone

Ensure that your house is in good condition and can withstand cyclone gusts.
Trim tree branches likely to cause damages to your house, telephone and electricity lines.
Clear your property of loose material that can cause injury and damage during extreme winds.
Identify secure places for your boat.
Be acquainted with the nearest cyclone refugee centres.
Prepare an emergency kit consisting of:
1.

Portable AM/FM radio and fresh batteries.

2.

Torch, lamps, candles, matches, etc.

3.

Water containers.

4.

Canned food, can opener, stove with sufficient gas.

5.

Rice, flour, biscuits, cheese, etc.

6.

First aid kit and essential medicines.

7.

Clothes secured in plastic bags.

8.

Tool kit for emergency repairs (hammer, nail, rope, etc..)

After the cyclone

Do not leave your shelter until the all-clear signals have been given by relevant Authorities.

Beware of fallen power lines, damaged buildings and trees and flooded water courses.
Do not consume fallen fruits.
Boil water for drinking purposes.

Clean yard and drain out stagnant water to prevent proliferation of mosquitoes/diseases

Before a storm

If you live in an area at high-risk for tornadoes, consider building a safe room in your home. A safe room
must be built to withstand high winds and flying debris. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides free
plans for building a safe room in your basement or by reinforcing a bedroom closet or bathroom. You can download
safe room information and plans on FEMAs website.

Pack an emergency preparedness kit that will meet the needs of you and your family for three days. The kit,
of course, will be handy in the wake of any natural or man-made disaster. An emergency preparedness kit needs to
include food and water for each member of your family for three days, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio,
flashlight, spare batteries, first aid kit, can opener, local maps, moist towelettes, toilet paper, garbage bags and plastic
ties for personal sanitation. Other items to consider include sleeping bags or blankets, paper towels, books, puzzles
and games for children and pet food for family pets. A complete list of recommended items for an emergency kit can
be found at Ready.gov, FEMAs emergency preparedness Web site.

Buy a NOAA weather radio and keep it on your nightstand. The radio will sound a loud alert when the
National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for your area. This should give you time to gather your family at
the safest spot in the house.

Be alert for threatening weather. Look for the following danger signs: dark, greenish sky, large hail, a large,
dark, rotating cloud, a loud roar.

Safety precautions during a storm

Act quickly after a tornado warning. A warning means that a twister has been identified in your area.

In a public building such as a store or office, go to a designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement,
storm cellar, or the lowest building level.

If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room such as a bathroom or closet on the lowest level
away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls.

At home, go to a basement or the most interior room on the first floor.

If youre in a mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a nearby building or a storm
shelter.

If caught in the open, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands to protect
yourself from flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Safety precautions after a storm

Be alert to hazards created by tornado damage such gas leaks, broken glass and exposed electrical wiring.

Check for injuries, but dont try to move someone who is seriously injured unless they are in immediate
danger of death or further injury.

precaution of droughts
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PRECAUTION

To be ready for a drought you need water that you have stored.Rain
water harvesting is a good method so as to have a good amount of water
stored in tanks.
There should be a storage of food and permanent underground tank
to store water.
FULL ANSWER

Water conservation is one of the most obvious precautions to take during a drought. If a
city is enforcing water restrictions, residents should contact their public works
department to find out whether watering lawns and gardens is allowed. In many
instances, watering cans and hoses are allowed, but sprinklers are not. Homeowners
should also try to cut down on wasted water around the house. Collecting bath or
shower water that would otherwise run down the drain when adjusting the water
temperature is a good place to start. A bucket, watering can or some other container
can be used to collect shower water, which can then be used for the lawn or garden.
Droughts are typically accompanied by extreme heat, so precautions should be taken
around the home to stay cool. Air conditioner filters should be checked to make sure
they're not clogged or dirty. Window units should be placed in the shade to ensure they

operate effectively. Doors and windows can be insulated using caulk and weather
stripping. The attic should be well ventilated, which can help the floors below stay
cooler. Curtains can be drawn and the shades closed during the day to keep indoor
temperatures cooler. Using a fan instead of an air conditioner at night uses far less
electricity.
Strategies for drought preparedness focus mainly on water conservation. Make these practices a part of your daily life
and help preserve this essential resource.

Indoor Water Conservation Tips Prior to a Drought

GENERAL

Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. For example, use it to water your
indoor plants or garden.

Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year.

Check all plumbing for leaks and have any leaks repaired by a plumber.

Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.

Install an instant hot water heater on your sink.

Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from breaking.

Install a water-softening system only when the minerals in the water would damage your pipes. Turn the
softener off while on vacation.

Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient.

BATHROOM

Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models. Note: In many
areas, low-volume units are required by law.

Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed to flush. Place a one-gallon
plastic jug of water into the tank to displace toilet flow (do not use a brick, it may dissolve and loose pieces may
cause damage to the internal parts). Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts.

Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.

KITCHEN

Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste or simply dispose of food in the
garbage. (Kitchen sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly).

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips Prior to a Drought

GENERAL

Check your well pump periodically. If the automatic pump turns on and off while water is not being used, you
have a leak.

Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees. Once established, plants
adapted to your local climate do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without
watering. Small plants require less water to become established. Group plants together based on similar water
needs.

Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use, such as micro and drip irrigation, and
soaker hoses.

Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants
for water.

Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.

Avoid installing ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless they use re-circulated water.

Consider rainwater harvesting where practical.

Contact your local water provider for information and assistance.

LAWN CARE

Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas.

Repair sprinklers that spray a fine mist. Most misting issues result from a pressure problem, properly
regulating pressure in an irrigation system will prevent misting.

Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly.

Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass
roots to grow deeper, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture.

Plant drought-resistant lawn seed. Reduce or eliminate lawn areas that are not used frequently.

Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain
slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.

Choose a water-efficient irrigation system such as drip irrigation for your trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Turn irrigation down in fall and off in winter. Water manually in winter only if needed.

Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool. Organic mulch
also improves the soil and prevents weeds.

Invest in a weather-based irrigation controlleror a smart controller. These devices will automatically adjust
the watering time and frequency based on soil moisture, rain, wind, and evaporation and transpiration rates.
Check with your local water agency to see if there is a rebate available for the purchase of a smart controller.

POOL

Install a new water-saving pool filter. A single back flushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of
water.

Cover pools and spas to reduce evaporation of water.

Cyclone in meteorology refers to any low pressure area with winds spiraling inwards.
Cyclones rotate clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and anti-clockwise in the Northern
Hemisphere. Cyclone is the general term for a variety of low pressure system types, such
astropical cyclones, extra tropical cyclones and tornadoes.

The largest of the low-pressure systems are the extratropical cyclones and the cold-core
polar cyclones which lie on the synoptic scale which in meteorology is a horizontal length of
1000 km or more. The Warm-core cyclones are the tropical cyclones, mesocyclones, and the
polar lows that lie within the smaller mesoscale. The Subtropical cyclones are intermediate
in size. Cyclones have also been on other planets outside of the Earth, such
as Mars and Neptune. For example the Great Red Spot of Jupiter and the Great Black Spot
of Neptune.

Cyclones are also referred to as hurricanes and typhoons. They consist of the eye, eyewall
and rainbands.

The process of cyclone formation and intensification is described as Cyclogenesis. The

formation of Extratropical cyclones comes as waves in large regions of
enhanced midlatitude temperature contrasts which are called baroclinic zones. These zones
contract to form weather fronts as the circulation of the cyclone closes and gets more
intense. Later in their life cycle, cyclones form what is called an occluded front. The cyclone's
track is then guided over the course of an 2 to 6 day life cycle by its steering flow of the polar
or subtropical jetstream.

The calmest part of a cyclone is its eye which is at the middle of a cyclone.