Earthquake Safety

Chapter 6 Section 4

How Earthquakes Cause Damage

• Shaking– Avalanches, landslides– Destroy buildings, bridges, utility poles,

gas lines, water mains

The severity of the shaking is determined by the soil.

How Earthquakes Cause Damage

• Liquefaction– Violent shaking turns loose soft soil into

mud– Ground that gives way can cause

buildings to sink and pull apart

How Earthquakes Cause Damage

• Aftershocks– Can topple weakened buildings– Can occur hours, days or weeks later

How Earthquakes Cause Damage

• Tsunami– Ocean floor that pushes on water can form

a giant wave that moves out from the epicenter

Earthquake safety

• Drop, cover and hold• Indoors

– Get under sturdy table or desk – Crouch near an inner wall– Cover your head and neck– Avoid windows, mirrors, things that can

topple– prepare an earthquake kit

(ahead of time)

Earthquake safety

• Outdoors– Get to an open area away from power lines

and trees– Sit

Safer Buildings

• Seismic Safe– Anchor bridges and buildings to solid

ground– Base – isolated buildings reduce energy

that reaches structure (rubber pads, springs)

Safer Utilities

• Flexible joints in gas and water lines• Automatic shut off valves