All Shook Up: Earthquake Preparedness
Tara A. Spears
Nayarit Editor
It was a huge shock to me when I moved to Mexico to experience an earthquake my first year. Before selecting my retirement home SOTB, I researched various characteristics, such number of sunny days, shopping, housing, culture and average winter temperature. I did not bother to check out what natural disasters might occur in coastal Mexico.
To compound my ignorance, I did not know Spanish or the Spanish terms used in an emergency! After the fact, I now have key words at my command: Sismo! Terremoto! Are Spanish for earthquake; salir del edificio means to exit the building. With the recent tremor in Jaltemba Bay gathering attention, it’s a good time to learn how remain safe in an earthquake.
According to the Unison Jalisco author Roberto Larios, Jalisco state has a high degree of seismic activity due to this area lying in the subduction zone where two adjoining continental plates can collide and where 99 percent of the country’s earthquakes are generated. Jalisco and Nayarit authorities must remain alert and their citizens aware that a tremor may occur at any time. As visitors to this region, it is good to be aware of the possible occurrence and to have a plan of action if an earthquake occurs.
“The Mexican National Seismological Service (SSN) states that the recent events with epicenters very close to the metropolitan area of Guadalajara (ZMG) were due to pre-existing faults such as Tesistán or the Santiago River. It is significant to note that within the last hundred years, all major earthquakes in the region had the epicenter along the western Pacific coast,” reported the University of Guadalajara (UdeG). The scientists stated that so far science cannot predict the date, magnitude, or location of earthquakes because quakes are sudden movements.
What really surprised me was learning that ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related injuries result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects as a result of the ground shaking, or people trying to move more than a few feet during the shaking. Much of the damage in earthquakes is predictable and preventable. By being aware and having an emergency plan one can safely protect yourself during an earthquake.
Tips for Being Prepared for an Earthquake: Plan and stay calm
In the event of an earthquake while you are staying in Mexico, you should be prepared to fend for yourself for at least three days. This emergency supply list can also be applied to other disasters, such as hurricanes, floods or wildfires.
You’ll need food and bottled water (a gallon a day per person); a first aid kit; a fire extinguisher suitable for all types of fires; flashlights; a portable radio; extra batteries, blankets, clothes, shoes and money (ATMs may not work); medication; an adjustable or pipe wrench to turn off gas or water, if necessary; pet food; and an alternate cooking source (barbecue or camp stove).
A lot of these tips are common sense but didn’t occur to me. The following tactics are useful before an earthquake occurs.
Become familiar with surroundings at all times and know how to get out of the building. This is more important if you are in a strange place like a hotel in another city; Select a safe place in your home for everyone to wait out the earthquake; Practice earthquake drills with your family; Keep flashlights and sturdy shoes available; Bolt gas appliances to walls (water heater, oven, dryers); Know how to shut off the gas in your house and have the proper tools on hand if you need to do this; Keep emergency supplies in a safe location.
During an earthquake: If you’re indoors, stay there. Get under — and hold onto –a desk or table, or stand against an interior wall. Stay clear of exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture, fireplaces and appliances. The kitchen is a particularly dangerous spot. If you’re in an office building, stay away from windows and outside walls and do not use the elevator.
If you’re outside, get into the open. Stay clear of buildings, power lines or anything else that could fall on you.
If you’re driving, move the car out of traffic and stop. Avoid parking under or on bridges or overpasses. Try to get clear of trees, light posts, signs and power lines. When you resume driving, watch out for road hazards such as cracked roads, etc. If you’re in a mountainous area, beware of the potential for landslides. Likewise, if you’re near the ocean, be aware that tsunamis are associated with large earthquakes. Get to high ground.
If you’re in a crowded public place, avoid panicking and do not rush for the exit. Stay low and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
Lastly, what to do after an earthquake. Check for fire or fire hazards. If you smell gas, shut off the main gas valve. If there’s evidence of damage to electrical wiring, shut off the power at the control box. If the phone is working, only use it in case of emergency. Likewise, avoid driving if possible to keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
Be aware that items may fall out of cupboards or closets when the door is opened, and also that chimneys can be weakened and fall with a touch. Check for cracks and damage to the roof and foundation of your home.
It’s always a good idea to listen to the radio or local television for important information and instructions. This is where it gets tricky for international visitors who speak another language!
Remember that aftershocks are sometimes large enough to cause damage in their own right. The aftershock generally follows large quakes.
Now that I’m prepared and I’ve got my safety plan and stashed emergency supplies I can go about my normal happy life. Realistically, our section of the Pacific coast in not in a prime earthquake area therefore there isn’t great cause for alarm in the Riviera Nayarit. The glorious weather, lovely scenery and charm of living in a Mexican village far outweigh the maybe of an earthquake.