EARTHQUAKEQUIZ

1. What are the safest spots in a room during

an earthquake?

A. Close to a window so you can see what is going on outside.

B. Under sturdy tables, desks or against inside walls where nothing can fall on you.

C. In a closet or bathtub.

Answer: B

Windows may break and cause injuries. A closet or bathtub gives no sturdy overhead coverage.

2. You’re fast asleep and the shaking

from an earthquake awakens you, you should . . .

A. Stay in bed and cover your head and neck with a pillow.

B. Jump out of bed to the floor next to the bed in the triangle of life.

C. Run to the doorway and hold on tight.

Answer: A

It is best to stay where you are and cover yourself. The triangle of life theory has been refuted by the American Red Cross. “Recently it has been brought to my attention that an e-mail from Doug Copp, titled ‘Triangle of Life,’ is making its rounds again on the Internet. ‘Drop, Cover, and Hold On’ is CORRECT, accurate, and APPROPRIATE for use in the United States for Earthquake safety. Mr. Copp’s assertion that everyone is always crushed if they get under something is incorrect.”

Rocky Lopes, Ph.D., Manager Community Disaster Education, American Red Cross National Headquarters.

3. You are driving when it feels like your car

has a flat tire, but it’s actually an earthquake,

you should . . .

A. Drive faster to get away from cars around you.

B. Pull to the side of the road and stop, but stay inside your car.

C. Slow down and drive to an open space and get out of your car.

Answer: B

The American Red Cross recommends you remain in your car until the shaking stops. Leaving your car may expose you to injury. When the shaking is over, proceed cautiously. Avoid any bridges, under/over passes and elevated structures that may have been damaged in the quake.

4. You are getting ready for work or

school and an earthquake strikes,

you should . . .

A. Get out of the house as fast as you can.

B. Get under a desk, cover your head and neck and hold on.

C. Get in a doorway and brace yourself by holding onto the door frame.

Answer: B

ARC advises against trying to move. The longer the distance, the more likely you’ll become injured by falling or flying debris, or by tripping, falling, or getting cut by damaged floors, walls and items in the path of escape.

ARC no longer recommends use of a doorway for earthquake protection. The problem is that many doorways are not built into the structural integrity of a building, and may not offer protection. Also, simply put, doorways are not suitable for more than one person at a time.

5. You and your family are enjoying a picnic in the park when the

ground begins to shake, you should . . .

A. Take shelter under the nearest tree.

B. Curl up in a ball on the ground.

C. Get to the nearest open space drop and cover your head with your arms.

Answer: C

Injuries can occur from falling trees, power lines, streetlights and building debris. Try to get to a clear location if you can.

6. The shaking has stopped, what do

you do now?

A. Turn off the gas immediately.

B. Call 911 to ask for instructions.

C. Change into protective clothing and do a quick assessment of your location.

Answer: C

Putting on long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves will help protect you from further injury by broken objects. Check yourself and others for injuries. Look for and extinguish small fires. Listen to the radio for instructions. Expect aftershocks. Inspect your home for damage; get everyone out if it is unsafe.

7. An earthquake has occurred and now the water

is turned off. You do not have any water in your

supply kit. What is a good source of potable water?

A. A swimming pool.

B. A spa or hot tub.

C. Canned Vegetables Corn

Answer: C

A swimming pool or spa may contain bacteria that could cause illness.

Corn

8. You are at the beach when an

earthquake strikes, you should . . .

A. Move to higher ground.

B. Get in the water.

Answer: A

If you are in a coastal area, strong earthquakes can cause a tsunami (tidal wave).

9. The first earthquake you

feel is always the mainshock.

A. True

B. False

Answer: False

Earthquakes come in clusters of foreshocks, the mainshock and aftershocks. You may feel small foreshocks before the mainshock occurs.

10. After an earthquake stops, make sure that each

phone is on its receiver and only use your phone

for life-threatening emergencies.

A. True

B. False

Answer: True

Leaving phones off the hook may tie up the telephone network unnecessarily.