America's Berkeley uni in California along with Israel both countries in earthquake regions, have jointly developed this app which registers the tremors of an earthquake and gives you warning. You don't have long. Less than a minute. But that is enough time to duck for cover, such as under a table, or at least to get down on the floor to avoid being hit by flying objects.
One cause of delay is not being sure that it is an earthquake. I remember when I was in Zakynthos, the Greek island, when an earthquake hit our building. I was with a group of journalists from the UK. The tourist board of the island was welcoming us and we had, ironically, listened to a speech about the safety of the island. They meant safety from robbery.
At that time I was unaware that Greece had been hit by earthquakes in the past. And that it was still susceptible.
You could not fail to feel the earthquake. There was a huge bang, like a clap of thunder but louder. The whole building juddered as if it had been hit. I thought the lift had fallen to the bottom of the lift shaft. The water and alcohol in our drinking glasses continued shaking.
After a moment's silence, the Greeks all ran out. We Brits sat, puzzled, looking at each other.
"What was that?"
"What could it be?"
"A bomb?"
"An earthquake?"
"It must have been an earthquake."
"Where is everybody?"
"No idea. They've all run out."
"They must be downstairs - or outside."
"If they have left, we ought to follow them."
"Come on. Let's go. Can't do anything sitting here. Let's go and find them."
"I'd rather sit here in comfort and finish my drink."
"Come on. They have left. They know something we don't know."
That was then. The following day we went to a museum and saw pictures of the devastation caused by the long-distant Great Zakynthos earthquake.
Then the nearby Israelis had been forefront in sending a rescue mission. The museum is noted as the site of the grave of the poet Solomos who wrote the words of the Greek national anthem.
Since then, Zakynthos and Cefalonia and the Ionian islands, and other parts of Greece, have been hit by more earthquakes.
Greek Tourist Attractions
But Greece is a favourite tourist attraction. The ancient Greek world is known for so many thinkers and philosophers, Socrates, Plato, and many more, and the foundation of democracy.
Plus the later attractions of wine, food such as baklava, major buildings such as The Acropolis, Corfu and the Durrell brothers' books. Music and movies - such as Zorba the Greek. So Greece is major attraction in a trip around Europe. Therefore it is good to be prepared by knowing what to do in an emergency.
The video I saw this week (February 2022) shows the app developed by the Israelis and Americans and installed by Americans.
The noteworthy reminder was that it is important to take action to escape injury. Don't waste time, like we did years ago, in Greece, trying to work out what the problem is and whether it was an earthquake. If it isn't, no harm done by diving under a table. If it is, apparently quick action is vital, essential. Just assume you felt and heard an earthquake, especially if you know you are in an earthquake area. When you check into a hotel, or a home from home, or a new home in another country, note the nearest shelter in every room.
What preventive measures can you take? Install the app. Fix bookshelves. Read up on what to do in an emergency.
Why Fix Bookshelves?
Prevention is better than cure. One suggestion is to ensure that bookshelves are attached to walls. So those planks which balance on projected finger shape supports, or freestanding bookshelves, are a danger.
Also heavy objects such as vases and statuettes balanced on high shelves.
I have known for a long time that you need to attach bookshelves and chests of drawers to the wall if you have young children likely to climb on them. (As a landlord, one of my concerns was that people with children wanted to move into my deceased parents' property, which was not designed to be childproof.)
To me it was a new idea that you should fix shelves to be sure that they didn't fall during an earthquake. The same applies to any other event which might shake or tilt the building.
If you are renting a property, you might be wary about damaging the landlord's walls. Just make sure to contact them and explain.
Flying Objects & Glass
A major source of injuries in flying objects, especially glass. Keep away from windows.
If in bed, put a pillow over your head to protect it.
The Japanese keep an emergency suitcase by the door containing food and water, a first aid kit, a torch, and essential documents such as identity cards or copies and insurance documents, and phone numbers. A change of clothes, mask and cap, spare spectacles or your prescription would also be handy. Documents might include a copy of your driving license.
FEMA stands for Federal Emergency Management Association
Useful websites
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-israeli-earthquake-app-will-save-thousands-of-lives/
https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/fema_earthquakes_fema-p-530-earthquake-safety-at-home-march-2020.pdf
https://www.tripsavvy.com/earthquake-safety-tips-in-los-angeles-1586562
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Emergency_Management_Agency
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1429598-d6697549-Reviews-Museum_of_D_Solomos_and_Eminent_People_of_Zakynthos-Zakynthos_Town_Zakynthos_Ion.html
Author
About the author of this blog post
BIOGRAPHY
Angela Lansbury B A Hons ACG ALB PM5 EH5 DL5 VC5
The Author of several books including Etiquette For Every Occasion. Wedding Speeches & Toasts. How to be the Best Man. Quick Quotations. Who Said What When.
Blogs travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com
dressofthedayangela.blogspot.com
Braddell Heights Advanced Toastmasters Speakers Club Vice President Public Relations (VPPR), Previous President
Join BHA 1st Wednesday 7pm and 3rd Saturday 2 pm Singapore time
Vice President Public Relations (VP PR) of Tampines Changkat Advanced;
Secretary of weekly online Singapore International Dynamic Toastmasters Speakers’ Club;
Member and past president of Harrovians toastmasters club, UK; Past member of HOD Toastmasters, London. Past member in Singapore of: Toastmasters Club of Singapore (TCS); Tiarel; and Senja Cashew.
More details from Toastmasters International find a club.
Regular attendee at annual Swanwick Writers’ School, England.
Regular attendee at annual Writers’ Holiday, Wales.
Contributor to poetry readings, and after tea courses on: Speaking On Radio To Promote Books; and Plots And Character.
Winner of many club and area speaking contests in the UK and Singapore.
Language advisor to Empire Toastmasters club in Indonesia.
Language and speech workshops in Singapore.
Speaker on radio and TV in England, Scotland, the USA, and Australia.
Compiler of a school course on public speaking for teachers to prepare pupils for school open days with attending ceremonies before government ministers, Singapore.
Former member of Harrow Writers’ Circle, London, and two writing groups in Singapore.
Angela is on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter. She would be delighted to link up with new friends.
Books by Angela Lansbury
How to be the best man. (Ward Lock / Cassell.)
Wedding Speeches and Toasts.(Ward Lock / Cassell.)
Unforgettable British Weekends.
Poetry Workshop Workbook.
The Tailor and the Spy. (Lulu.)
Larry The Talking Labrador. (Lulu.)
Writing Poetry for fun.
Quick Quotations
Who Said What When
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