DO’S
& DON’TS IN EARTHQUAKE, FIRE, CYCLONE
A. EARTHQUAKE
Earthquakes
are caused by natural tectonic interactions with in the earth’s crust and are
global phenomena. They strike suddenly unleashing enormous energy, virtually no
warning, and are unpredictable. Therefore preventive measures for ensuring
safety of buildings, structures, communication facilities, water supply lines,
electricity, and life, are of utmost priority.
A.1 PRE-DISASTER: PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Before an Earthquake what people should
do? (Awareness)
· Keep in mind that most problems
from a severe earthquake result from falling objects and debris (partial or
complete collapse of building, ceiling plaster, light fixtures, etc.) rather
than from ground movement. Ground movements do occur when ground is susceptible
to failures by liquefaction or land sliding.
· Shelves for bookcases, etc.,
should be firmly fixed to the walls. Remove heavy objects from shelves above
head level. Do not hang plants in heavy pots that could swing free of hooks.
Bookshelves, cabinets, or wall decorations can topple over and fall.
· Locate beds away from the windows
and heavy objects that could fall. Don’t hang mirrors or picture frames directs
over beds and benches.
· Secure appliances that could
move, causing rupture of gas or electrical lines. Know location of master
switches and shut-off valves.
· Make sure that over-head lighting
fixtures are well secured to the ceiling and move heavy unstable objects away
from exit routes.
· Replace glass bottles with plastic
containers or move them to the lowest shelves.
· Be aware that with a severe
earthquake, all services, such as, electric/water, will probably be down.
Emergency services may be extremely limited for few days.
· Store or have easy access to
emergency supplies (water, long lasting, ready-to-eat food, first aid kit,
medicine, tools, portable radio, flashlight, fresh batteries, blankets, warm
jacket, fire extinguisher) in a secure place at your residence, or, in your
car.
A.2 What to Do during an Earthquake
Stay
as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are
actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your
movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay
there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
A.2.1 If indoor
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.
· Stay
in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your
head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall.
In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
· 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 power may have failed.
· Do
not run for staircase, since these may usually sustain more damage than level
surfaces. Exits may also be affected/blocked.
· OR
get under a desk or a sturdy table or brace yourself within a narrow hallway or
doorway, making sure that the door cannot close on your hands. If unable to
move, cover your head and body with your arms, pillows, blankets, books, etc.
to protect yourself from falling objects.
Avoid high bookcases, mirrors, cabinets or other
furniture that might topple
A.2.2 If outdoors
· Stay
there. Stay in an open area until tremors stop.
· Move
away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
· Once
in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists
directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Many of the
120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran
outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls.
· Most earthquake-related
casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
A.2.3 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. Do not remain next to
masonry structures or high-rise buildings. Do not remain on or under bridges
and flyovers
· Proceed
cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that
might have been damaged by the earthquake.
· While driving, watch for
earthquake-created hazards, such as falling objects, downed power lines, broken
or undermined roadways and bridges.
A.2.4 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.
A.3 POST-DISASTER ACTIVITIES
Earthquake is followed by minor earthquakes called
aftershocks.
· Stay
calm. Do not panic. Await or solicit information from Official Sources.
· Most
injuries occur while people enter or leave buildings, so stay where you are,
when the tremors occur. Use your judgement, if the location you are seem
vulnerable to aftershocks.
· Wear
sturdy shoes to protect your feet from possible broken glass.
· Check
for injuries. Apply first aid.
· Do
not attempt to move anyone seriously injured. .
· Check
for fire.
· Check
utilities for damage: evacuate the building if a gas leak is suspected. Do not
light matches or turn on electricity until you are certain there are no gas
leaks.
· Avoid
downed power lines.
· Check
for structural damage; clear blocked exits.
· Check
radio and phones and listen official broadcasts. Do not use the phone except
for an emergency.
· Use
extreme caution when close to masonry structures.
· For several days after a severe
earthquake; be prepared for aftershocks. These are common following a large
earthquake and can cause additional damage to weakened structures.
B. URBAN FIRE
Urban Fires are
Man-made disasters, and lives and properties worth crores of rupees are lost.
The phases in the development of an urban fire are outbreak, development,
spread and extinction. Besides cataclysmic natural events, urban fires are
caused by electrical faults (in an estimated 35-40 per cent of cases), human
carelessness or malevolence, the lack of supervision of a naked flame, or the
uncontrolled product of a chemical or physical reaction. Once the flame is
ignited it would either go out by itself or spread in its initial surroundings
at a variable speed. As it develops, the fire would produce heat, and hot
gases, which are potentially toxic or chemically aggressive.
The spread of
fire in urban areas depends on the structure and materials of buildings, their
volumes and partitions or spacing. Doors, windows, facades, ducts and holes may
provide shafts that act as vectors for the spread of the fire. The risk to
people, rather than property, depends on their location and concentration,
their perception of the hazard, and the potential for rapid evacuation via safe
routes. Particular problems are likely to result from the rapid destruction
early in the fire of “nerve centres” such as communications headquarters and
the nodes of warning systems.
The risk can be
reduced greatly by structural and non-structural measures. Extinguishers,
sprinklers, hoses, hydrants, evacuation routes and fire sensors are all
well-known structural approaches. Evacuation drills designed for cases of fire
hazard can be combined with those created for natural hazards such as
earthquakes. Fire hazards can be investigated in terms of all phases, producing
information on where and when fires are likely to break out, how they are
likely to develop and spread and with what degree of rapidity this is likely to
occur. Fire-fighting plans must be based on this sort of knowledge and
prediction.
B.1 HOW FIRES START AND SPREAD IN URBAN
AREAS
· Malicious ignition by intruders or
employees
· Misuse of electrical equipment
· Cigarettes and matches
· Mechanical heat and sparks
· Heating plant
· Children play with matchboxes and
crackers
B.2 Fire Prone Material
· Waste and Rubbish
· Combustible elements in the structure
and fittings
· Electrical Insulation
· Textiles & Plastics
· Wood and Paper
· Flammable Liquids
· Packaging and wrapping material
B.3 Reasons for Spreading
· Presence of large quantities of
combustible materials
· Lack of fires separating walls between
production and storage areas
· Opening in floors and walls between
departments
· Rapid burning of dust and “fly” deposits
· Oils and fats flowing when burning
· Combustible
linings of roofs, ceilings and walls
B.4 FIRE PROTECTION / RESCUE
· Identification of high risk area
· Installation of hydrants
· Provision of static water tanks
· Provision of passive & active fire
protection system
· Provisions of adequate means of escape
with exit signs
· Establishment of fire station with
proper adequate appliance & equipment/manpower
· Co-ordination with other essential
services by local administration (water supply, electricity, pwd, army etc.)
· Proper communication network
B.5 Prevention & Control
The Objectives Of a Fire Prevention and Control
Programme Can Be Started Simply As Under:-
· To Plan and Control Low Hazard
Buildings, Processes Needed.
· To Provide Fire Control &
Suppression Equipment Wherever Needed.
· To Maintain the Equipment In Readiness.
· To Educate & Train Employees in Loss
Prevention and Proper Action in Emergencies.
· Fire Order Publication & To Ensure
That It Is Implemented.
· Establishment of Industrial Fire Brigade
with Modern Appliance/Equipments/Fire Professionals.
· Mutual Fire Aid Programme
· Fire Prevention Inspection Audit.
· Fire Line.
B.6 VILLAGE FIRE
Incidents of
Fire occurring in rural areas; particularly during summer season is high and it
is compounded by wind. Fire is normally caused by accident and negligence. The
common causes are:
· Kitchen fires/drying of fire wood/thatch
roof
· Naked flame from oil lamps & wicks
· Careless smoking
· Careless disposal of ash/amber
· Careless burning of disposal/rubbish
· Spontaneous combustion
· Dry grass fires (the recent bharatpur
fire accident)
· Display of fireworks during festival
· Malicious ignition
Villages are
Fire prone due to the spread of Bio-wastes (straw) /dry thatching materials
etc. Due to dense and close living lifestyle like burning woods, open cooking,
spreading of agricultural waste materials etc. are the major causes.
· The habit of taking fire from one house
to another carelessly are also one of the causes.
· Neglecting to put off the fire in hearth
during day time and night.
· Smoking habits and throwing cigarette buds.
· Inadequate availability of water and
sand occasionally becomes problems.
· Wind increases the vulnerability
of an area.
B.7 PREVENTIVE MEASURES
· Non combustible Construction
· Mud Plastering
· Use of Lantern
· No Naked Flame Without Attendant
· Careful Disposal of
Ash/Amber/Cigarette/Bidi
· Careful Stacking of Hays (Maximum Height
of 8 Mtrs. & 20 Mtrs. Away)
· Storage Precaution of Fuels
· Public Education On Fire Prevention
· Fire Retardant Treatment Of Structural
Materials
· Educating the people, making them aware,
especially children, women, and people who smoke
· Discourage children to handle
fire/fireworks/crackers etc.
· Keep the children away from the fire
· Keep
the village premises clean to avoid fire spreading. Dry materials spread in the
floor accentuate fire spreading.
· Earmark – nominate persons in a village
to be vigilant by turn
· Keep adequate water, sand etc, in the
village common place for putting off in the event of fire
· In
case of fire, try to put off, alerting the people, community and simultaneously
contact the Fire Service Phone No. 101
· Fire Extinguishers be kept in the
suitable place in an easiest accessible way
· In frequently fire prone
villages, water tank with adequate water to be stored at.
B.8 FIRE PROTECTION
· Provision
of water
· Fire
pickets
· Volunteers
· Training
of volunteers at village level
· Portable
pumping unit
· Ladders/ceiling hooks/fire
beaters/fire buckets/shovels/stack drag/stirrup pumps/portable extinguishers
etc.
B.9 DURING THE FIRE
· Once
fire occurs; the people should locally assemble and put it off at the earliest
possible opportunities by collecting people and through communities’ efforts
· If it
is adjoining forest area, steps to be taken like fire line clearance so that
the fire would not spread from village to the forest areas and vice versa
· The
cattle if any, tied near the fire occurred area they may be removed as fast as
possible by unloosing them
· Steps
to be taken to prevent fire spreading by dismantling structures in adjacent
areas and also simultaneously pouring water or sand or even beating the fire
with fresh twigs
· Steps
to be taken immediately to evacuate, if anyone is trapped in fire
· Special
steps to be taken to remove the children and the old
· First
Aid is to be given to the injured and they are to be rushed to the nearest
hospital. The hospital is to be alerted about the injured and burnt victims on
the way
· The
cause of the fie is to be investigated, if there is any criminal involvement,
male-violence and it has to be investigated as per law
· A
detailed report is to be prepared about the occurrence and the damage impact
and to be made available to those who need
· Compensation
and relief to those eligible and affected are to be given according to the loss
and to the vulnerability
· Insurance
against crops, houses, straw/grains stored place, cattle etc. to be encouraged
and to be done
· Houses
could be insured against Fire and Natural calamities
· A vigilant Community, Village
Council and District Administration can keep the hazards of fire off.
B.10 ELECTRICAL DISASTER AND FIRE
Electricity is a
necessity in our lives. Although electricity is readily accessible and safe
when used properly, it is important to follow necessary safety precautions.
B.11 USE ELECTRICITY SAFELY
If an appliance
emits smoke or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately and have it
repaired. Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed. Do not
overload extension cords or run them under rugs.
· Do
not tamper with fuses. This is potential fire hazard
· Do
not overload circuits. Overload may cause the wires to heat and may ignite
insulation or other
Combustible
· Replace or
repair electrical appliances that over heat, spark, smoke, or have cracked or
frayed cords
· Wiring
installations should always be made by a licensed electrician or other
qualified person
· Use
light bulbs of the voltage recommended for the lamp and ceiling fixtures
· Never
break off the third prong on a plug
· Do
not use extension cords for permanent wiring. They may not be able to carry the
load.
· Ensure
lamps are free from contact with inflammable material
· Heaters Need
Space: Keep
heaters at least 3 feet (1 meter) from anything that can burn. Never leave
heaters on when you leave home/office and keep children and pets away from
them.
B.12 ELECTRICAL WIRING
Most electrical
fires result from problems with “fixed wiring” such as faulty electrical
outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords and plugs, such as extension and
appliance cords, also cause many home electrical fires. In urban areas, faulty
wiring accounts for 33% of the residential electrical fires. Many avoidable
electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords, such as overloading
circuits, poor maintenance and running the cords under rugs or in high traffic
areas
· Replace
any electrical cord that has cracked insulation or a broken connector
· Do
not exceed the amperage load specified for extension cords
· Do
not run extension cords across doorways or where they can be stepped. Do not
plug one extension cord into another and never plug more than one extension
cord into an outlet.
· Cords
should not be hung on nails, run over or wrapped around objects, knotted or
twisted. This may break he wire or insulation. Short circuits are usually
caused by bare wires touching, due to breakdown of insulation
· Pull the plug: Not the cord.
Pulling the cord could break a wire, causing a short circuit
B.13 ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
· The
home appliances most often involved in electrical fires are electric stoves, oven,
dryers, central heating units, televisions, radios and record players
· Routinely
check your electrical appliances and wiring
· Frayed
wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old and damaged appliance cords
immediately
· Use
electrical extension cords wisely and don’t overload them
· Keep
electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to
electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen
· Do
not allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space
heaters, irons and hair dryers
· Keep
clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least three feet
from all heaters
· If an
appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never
force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord
· Never
overload extension cords or wall sockets. Immediately shut off, then
professionally replace, light switches that are hot to touch and lights that
flicker. Use safety closures to “child-proof” electrical outlets
· Check
the electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or
cracked, replace them. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical
shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks
· Plug
the microwave or any other large appliances into an outlet that is not shared
with other appliances
· Ensure
switch plates, outlets or cords are not warm to touch
· Be
aware of the odour of burning plastic or wire
· Keep
heat-producing appliances away from anything that might catch fire. Leave
plenty of space for air to circulate around copy machines, computer terminals,
and other equipment that gives off heat
· Designate
an employee to make sure all appliances – including coffee makers and hotplates
– are turned off or unplugged at the end of each day
· Keep storage areas, stairways,
and other out-of-the-way locations free from waster paper, empty boxes, dirty
rags, and other fire hazards
B.14 DON’T FUSS WITH FUSE THE BOX
The electric
control panel, commonly called a fuse box, is where the electricity enters the building.
The control panel contains either fuses or circuit breakers and has a main
switch for shutting off all power in case of an emergency. For safety’s sake,
follow these basic rules:
· Unless
you are an electrician, never attempt to make repairs, especially those
involving broken or frayed wires. Always call an electrician.
· Always
use the correct fuse for the panel never use a fuse that is too powerful.
· Never
replace fuses with substitute items.
· Make sure all electrical systems
are properly grounded, and always keep water away from the control panel.
B.15 INDOOR SAFETY PINS
To be safe, we
recommend that wiring be installed and/or inspected by a licensed electrician.
Your house or School may be inadequately wired if:
· Lights
dim and motors slow down when an appliance goes on.
· Fuses
blow or circuit breakers trip frequently.
· Toasters
or iron fails to heat properly.
· The
television picture shrinks.
· Turn
main power off before replacing a fuse or adjusting circuit breakers
· Install
outlets with a ground fault interrupter (GFI) whenever water/moisture is
nearby.
· Never
pull a plug out by the cord.
· Regularly
check wires, extension cords and appliances for signs of wear.
· Use
appliances and power tools with three pronged plugs.
· Never
touch appliances, wires or electrical switches with wet hands or feet.
· Turn
television set and other appliances off during a lightning storm.
· Smoke
alarms are essential. They must be properly located, vacuumed and tested
regularly.
· Keep
an all-purpose fire extinguisher in your home. It should be checked every six
months.
· If
there are small children in your house, use plastic safety caps in unused
outlets.
· Never
insert metal object into an appliance without disconnecting the appliance.
· Set
your water heater at the “medium” setting to avoid burns.
· Stay
away from downed wire.
· Should
not come within 10 feet of an overhead power line unless they’ve been trained
to work around power lines and have appropriate protective equipment.
· If a
power line falls on the vehicle you’re in, stay put until rescue or utility
workers arrive. (It is safe to use a cellular phone to call for help). If you
must get out of your vehicle because of hazards,
jump away so
that your body clears the vehicle before touching the ground.
· Never
build a shed or other structure under the power line leading to your house.
· Fire fighting in case of
electrical fire, fire fighting medium should be non-conductive and nonmagnetic.
B.16 DO’S AND DON’TS
Remember,
electricity always tries to reach the ground. It travels over “conductors” or
anything that allows electricity to flow. People, water, tree, damp ground, and
metal are excellent (bad for people! Right?) conductors.
· Touching
a faulty appliance, plug, or bare wire can make you part of the electric
circuit and put you at risk of electric shock
· Frayed
wires are dangerous anywhere. It should be repaired at once, or better yet,
replaced.
· Replace
inflexible electric cords
· Repair
any appliance that sparks, emits smoke, or shocks you
· Don‘t
use any appliance while you’re touching metal pipes and faucets or anything wet
· Outlets
near water sources (bathrooms, kitchen sinks, garages, outdoors) should be
“ground fault circuit interrupter” protected
· Never
touch an electric cord or appliance while your hands are wet
· Unplug
appliance before cleaning them or removing anything from them
· Don’t
yank the cord when unplugging appliances.
· Keep
work areas clean. Oily rags, newspapers, and sawdust can catch fire from
electric sparks.
· Never
overload a circuit with high-voltage appliances. Check the voltage on your
appliances labels and be sure the combined voltage of all the appliances you
want to plug into the same circuit does not exceed the circuit rating.
· Never
use electric power tools or appliances in the rain or while standing in water.
· For
outdoor locations; use only lights, cords, and fixtures intended for outdoor
use. Plug into outlets with a “ground fault circuit interrupter”
· If
the fire is confined to an appliance, electrical cord, outlet, or switch, shut
off the power by opening your main breaker, which is usually located near the
electric meter; or shut off the circuit breakers at your electric service
panel; or unscrew the fuses at the fuse box. Do this only if you can do so
without endangering yourself.
· If
you live in an apartment, use the stairs to leave the building. Never use an
elevator during a fire. It might take you to the floor where the fire is
burning.
· There
are three basic “type” of portable fire extinguisher. Type A: Ordinary combustibles, such as wood, clothe, paper, rubber,
and many plastics. Type B: Flammable
liquids, such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paint, lacquer and
flammable gas. Type C: Energized
electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery,
and appliances.
[Note: Now,
there are fire extinguishers which can be used for all Types A, B & C
fires]
· Be
sure you are fighting a fire with the proper extinguisher. It is particularly
dangerous to use water or Type A extinguisher on a grease or electrical fire. Using
the wrong type of extinguisher for the fire you’re fighting may make the fire
worse!
· NEVER
USE WATER on an electrical fire! Water can carry the electricity back to you
and you could receive a deadly shock.
· Finally, having a working smoke
alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to
practice an escape plan frequently.
C. CYCLONE
A tropical
cyclone is a rotational low pressure system in tropics when the central
pressure falls by 5 to 6 hPa from the surrounding and maximum sustained wind
speed reaches 34 knots (about 62 kmph). It is a vast violent whirl of 150 to
800 km, spiralling around a centre and progressing along the surface of the sea
at a rate of 300 to 500 km a day.
The word cyclone
has been derived from Greek word ‘cyclos’ which means ‘coiling of a snake’. The
word cyclone was coined by Heary Piddington who worked as a Rapporteur in
Kolkata during British rule. The terms "hurricane" and
"typhoon" are region specific names for a strong tropical cyclone.
Tropical cyclones are called “Hurricanes” over the Atlantic Ocean and “Typhoons”
over the Pacific Ocean.
C.1. In the Cyclone Seasons:
1. Listen to
radio or TV weather reports and in case of a cyclone warning, ensure that
everyone is alerted. This is usually done through loudspeakers or by going from
house to house.
2. Identify safe
shelters (cyclone shelters, pucca buildings, etc) in your area, and the closest
and safe route to reach them.
3. Keep an
emergency kit ready at home.
4. Check your
house and surrounding areas to see if it is secure. Doors, windows, the roof
and walls should be strengthened before the cyclone season through
retrofitting, repair, etc.
5. Store
adequate food grains and water in safe places.
6. Keep your
important papers in the emergency kit.
7. Keep a list
of emergency addresses and phone numbers such as the local police station,
Block or taluka office (in rural areas) in display.
8. Conduct mock drills for yourselves, imagining
that a warning has been given.
C.2. Upon A Cyclone Warning:
1. Listen to
your local radio, TV or community warning system for further information.
2. Close all
windows and doors. Secure doors and stay indoors.
3. Keep food
items in waterproof bags.
4. Prepare or
update a list of assets and belongings of your house and give information to
volunteers and other authorities about your near and dear ones.
5. Get the
emergency kit ready and in case of warning of a severe cyclone, move with your
family to a strong pucca building or cyclone shelter.
6. Do not
venture into the sea.
7. Wear warm clothing for protection.
C.3. If You Have To Evacuate:
1. Keep track of
radio updates and advice.
2. If the wind
suddenly drops, do not venture out, as this could be the eye of the cyclone.
Wait until the official ‘all clear’ declaration.
3. If in a vehicle, stop, but away from the sea and
trees, power lines and water courses.
C.4. After The Cyclone:
1. Do not go out
till officially advised that it is safe. If evacuated, wait till advised to go
back. Use the recommended route for returning and do not rush.
2. Check for gas
leaks before using the stove.
3. Dry electric appliances
thoroughly before use.
4. Be Careful of
snake bites.
5. Beware of
fallen power lines, damaged bridges, buildings and trees
6. Do not enter
floodwaters.