/I felt the Earth move under my feet...i mean bed... →→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→

(Sorry still have the Mary Roach of American Idol flu)

Earthquake is an ordinary thing in Japan. (It lies at the crossing of four tectonic plates -yahoo news) Well we experienced another strong one, strong enough to wake me up, this morning around 5AM (4:46 AM -yahoo news).

I didn't even get out of bed. It's 5AM for cryring out loud! I still have 2 1/2 hours left and don't want to waste any minute of it. But then this morning a friend asked me what did i do when it happened. (She's obviously new to this earthquake country). I told her the truth but deep inside me i know i should have done something besides staying in my bed completing my sleeping ritual. So i yahooed "What to do during an earthquake" and found this site prepared by University of Alaska Fairbanks. I hope they don't sue me by posting their earthquake safety Do's and Don'ts.

What to do during an earthquake
1. If you are indoors, duck or drop down to the floor. Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, woodstoves, and heavy furniture or appliances that may fall over. Stay inside to avoid being injured by falling glass or building parts. If you are in a crowded area, take cover where you are. Stay calm and encourage others to do likewise.

2. If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings and power lines.

3. If you are driving, stop if it is safe, but stay inside your car. Stay away from bridges, overpasses and tunnels. Move your car as far out of the normal traffic pattern as possible. If possible, avoid stopping under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs.

4. If you are in a mountainous area, or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rock and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.

5. If you are at the beach, move quickly to higher ground or several hundred yards inland.

Emergency supplies
Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Store these items in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffel bags, or covered trash containers. These are the basics to have on hand for any emergency:

Flashlights with spare batteries. Keep a flashlight beside your bed. Do not use matches or candles after an earthquake until you are certain no gas leaks exist.
Battery-operated radio with spare batteries. Most telephones will be out of order or used for emergency purposes, so radios will be your best source of information. An automobile radio is a good substitute.

First aid kit; first aid knowledge. Have a first aid book such as the Standard First Aid & Personal Safety by the American National Red Cross. Have members of your household take basic Red Cross first aid and CPR courses.

Fire extinguisher. Keep a fire extinguisher handy for small fires. Some extinguishers are only good for certain types of fires--electrical, grease, or gas. Class ABC extinguishers are designed to be used safely on any type of fire.

Food. It's a practical idea to keep a supply of non-perishable food on hand that can be rotated into your diet and be replenished on a regular basis. Have a sufficient supply of canned or dehydrated food, powdered milk, and canned juices for at least three days.

Water. Water should be stored in airtight containers and replaced every six months. Store at least three gallons per person.

Warm clothes and blankets. Have enough warm clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags to survive subzero winter temperatures.

Special items. Keep on hand at least a week's supply of medications and special foods needed for infants or those on limited diets.

Tools. Have a pipe wrench and an adjustable wrench for turning off gas and water mains.

That's all! Well it's better to be ready and safe than sorry. I always thought running outside is the best thing to do. (I can still remember the America's funniest video where the guy taking a shower ran out buck naked. I promised myself it won't be happening to me). Anyways, looks like Duck, Cover and Hold is the way to do it.

Have an earthquake-free day!

Related News here:
Earthquake of 5.4 jolts Japan, felt in Tokyo


Earthquake jolts Tokyo from bed, 19 people hurt