An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the breaking and shifting of subterranean rock. While earthquakes are sometimes believed to be a West Coast phenomenon, they can and have happened in Delaware. Since it is impossible to predict when an earthquake will occur, it is important that you and your family are prepared ahead of time.
The only earthquake to center in Delaware and cause severe property damage occurred on October 9, 1871. At Wilmington, Delaware's largest city, chimneys toppled, windows broke, and residents were quite bewildered by the unusual event. Lighter damage was sustained in northern Delaware at Newport, New Castle, and Oxford. Earth noises, variously described as "rumbling" and "explosive," accompanied the shock in several areas. Most recently, in 2009, Delaware experienced a 2.8 magnitude tremor that was centered in Delaware. Though it didn't cause any damage, Delawareans across the state felt it. Think it can't happen here? It can.
If you are indoors when shaking starts:
- “DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.” If you are not near a strong table or desk, drop to the floor against an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Avoid windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances and cabinets filled with heavy objects.
- Do not try to run out of the structure during strong shaking.
- If you are in a city environment, it is safer to remain inside a building after an earthquake unless there is a fire or gas leak. There are normally no open areas in a city environment far enough from glass or other falling debris to be considered safe refuge sites. Glass from high-rise buildings does not always fall straight down; it can catch a wind current and travel great distances.
- If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
- Do not use elevators.
- If you use a wheelchair, lock the wheels and cover your head.
If you are outdoors when shaking starts:
- Move to a clear area if you can safely walk. Avoid power lines, buildings and trees.
- If you’re driving, pull to the side of the road and stop. Avoid stopping under overhead hazards
- If you are on the beach, move to higher ground. An earthquake can cause a tsunami.
Once the earthquake shaking stops:
- Check the people around you for injuries; provide first aid. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.
- Check around you for dangerous conditions, such as fires, downed power lines and structure damage.
- If you have fire extinguishers and are trained to use them, put out small fires immediately.
- Turn off the gas only if you smell gas.
- Check your phones to be sure they have not shaken off the hook and are tying up a line.
- Inspect your home for damage.
If you are trapped in debris:
- Move as little as possible so that you don’t kick up dust. Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
- Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort.
Prepare Your Home
- Have a licensed professional repair defective electrical wiring, leaky gas lines, and inflexible utility connections (flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage).
- Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
- Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
- Fasten shelves securely to walls. Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
- Anchor overhead lighting fixtures and hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
- Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Hold earthquake drills with your family members so everyone knows what to do.
- Be prepared for aftershocks that may follow the earthquake. Aftershocks are usually not as powerful as the main earthquake, but may cause additional damage and weaken structures.
Know important terms you may hear during an emergency
- Earthquake: A sudden slipping or movement of a portion of the earth’s crust, accompanied and followed by a series of vibrations.
- Aftershock: An earthquake of similar or lesser intensity that follows the main earthquake.
- Fault: The break in the earth’s crust which moves during an earthquake. The movement may range from less than an inch to more than 10 yards in a severe earthquake.
- Epicenter: The place on the earth’s surface where the earthquake rupture began. Once fault slippage begins, it expands along the fault during the earthquake and can extend hundreds of miles.
- Seismic Waves: Vibrations that travel outward from the earthquake fault at speeds of several miles per second. Although fault slippage by itself can cause considerable damage, the vibrations of seismic waves cause most of the destruction during earthquakes.
- Magnitude: The amount of energy released during an earthquake, which is computed from the amplitude of the seismic waves. A magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter Scale indicates an extremely strong earthquake. Each whole number on the scale represents an increase of about 30 times more energy released than the previous whole number represents. Therefore, an earthquake measuring 6.0 is about 30 times more powerful than one measuring 5.0.
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