There is no way to predict earthquakes.There is still a lot to be learned about what will happen just before an earthquake strikes.Part of the problem is that earthquakes don't always behave in a consistent way, and some signs do not occur at all.If you experience an earthquake, you should know how to be prepared.
Step 1: There are reports of "earthquake lights".
People have seen strange lights from the ground or in the air before an earthquake.Rocks that are under extreme stress may emit earthquake lights.Earthquake lights have not been reported before all earthquakes, nor has the timing been consistent, but if you hear about strange lights in your area, you should make sure your emergency survival kit is stocked.Earthquake lights can be seen as short, blue flames coming up from the ground, as orbs of light that float in the air, or as huge forks of Light that look like lightening shooting up.
Step 2: There are unusual changes in animal behavior.
There are reports of animals abandoning their homes and breeding grounds just before an earthquake.It is not known why animals sense an event, but if you notice strange behavior in your pet, it may be a sign that something is about to happen.Chickens may stop laying eggs.If you notice your hens stop laying eggs, make sure you and your family know what to do in case of an earthquake.Changes in electric fields can cause catfish to respond violently.It is possible that an earthquake is on the way if you are fishing and see a lot of catfish.You should look for a safe place away from trees and bridges.Dogs, cats, and other animals can feel earthquakes seconds before humans can detect them.If your pet begins acting nervous and erratic, becomes frightened of seemingly nothing, and runs to hide, you may want to look around for a place to take cover. Dogs will also howl a lot and loud if there is an earthquake.
Step 3: There are foreshocks that precede the main earthquake.
It is not possible to tell which earthquake is the main one until after the fact, and foreshocks may not always occur before an earthquake.There may be another big earthquake on the way if you experience one or more small earthquakes.If you feel the ground begin to roll, take the appropriate actions to protect yourself from falling debris, because it is impossible to predict how long an earthquake will last or its magnitude.
Step 4: You should investigate the earthquake cycle in your area.
Scientists can look at samples from the past to see when major earthquakes occurred.They can come up with a rough idea of when a big earthquake might hit by measuring the amount of time between events.It can take hundreds of years between major earthquakes along a fault, but there's no way to know when the next one will occur.If the nearest fault line still has at least 250 years in its cycle before another big earthquake, you can take solace in that.There are no hard and fast rules for predicting earthquakes, so you should have an emergency kit just in case.
Step 5: There is an earthquake early warning program.
Currently Japan, Mexico, and California are the only places that provide official earthquake early warnings, though research is being conducted to expand these systems to include places near fault lines.Even with systems in place, they can only give a few seconds of warning before an earthquake.There are services that will send you text messages when there are earthquakes in your area.You can get instructions in an emergency from these alert messages.It is possible that your city has a warning system in place.If your town or city has a warning system, make sure you know about it.
Step 6: There is a website that tracks earthquakes.
Is it a big truck outside, a construction job, or just a weird dream?Tracking websites such as the US Geological Survey and myShake will show you where and when earthquakes were recorded and the magnitude of each one.
Step 7: You need a survival kit for your home and car.
You may lose access to clean water, food, and medication if there is an earthquake.If anything happens to your family, you should put together a survival kit.You should have enough supplies for up to 2 weeks in your home.This means 1 gallon of water per person for each day, non-perishable foods, medications, bottles and diapers for babies, and hygiene products.Enough water for at least 3 days should be included in a vehicle survival kit.Don't forget your pets.Make sure you have water, food, bowls, medication, a leash and collar for your furry friends.There is a more extensive list of items on the Red Cross website.
Step 8: You can secure furniture by bolting it to the wall.
The buildings that can fall and crush you are one of the biggest dangers of an earthquake.If there is an earthquake, anchoring heavy furniture to the wall will make your home much safer.There are many examples of furniture that should be bolted to the wall.Mirrors and flat screen TVs should be secured to the wall so that they don't fall off.They shouldn't be hung over couches or beds.
Step 9: Drop, cover, and hold on.
Contrary to popular belief, a door frame is not the safest place to be in an earthquake.You don't want the earthquake to knock you over.The back of your head and neck should be covered with your arms.If you can crawl under a solid table or desk, hold on to one of the legs and move along with it.You may only have a few seconds to act, and practicing will allow you to react faster.If there is no cover, try to get to an inside corner of the room.If you are outdoors, try to get to an open area away from buildings, live wires, and other things that might fall on you.If you're in a city, it's a good idea to find cover inside.If you are in a vehicle, get out of the way.Stay in the car and come to a stop as soon as possible, avoiding buildings, trees, or wires that might fall on your car.
Step 10: It's important that your family has a communication plan.
If there is an emergency, you should agree on where to meet.You can learn important phone numbers from your parents.You can choose a person who lives in another town or state.It's easier to reach someone who isn't in the disaster area.This person can relay your location if you are separated from your family.