WHAT DO DO IN CASE OF AN EARTHQUAKE

Earthquakes in Abruzzo. Villages wiped out. Aftershocks in Rome. I evacuated from a building today...

I can't but help at this point to extend my research into finding out what the best action plan is when there are earthquakes in the air... (or should I say... in the ground?).

I found this interesting article, which you may want to read - no matter where you are in the world. It's from the Southern California Earthquake Center, so I'm pretty sure they know what they're talking about. They talk about the international "Drop, Cover and Hold On" method for making it through an earthquake.

In essence, this is what you need to remember:

• DROP to the ground
• take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture;
• and HOLD ON on until the shaking stops

Check the article out.

FEMA, America's Federal Emergency Management Agency has some useful guidelines as well:
On this link, you have good insight into what you should do if you're indoors, outdoors, in a car or under debris. One general golden rule? Don't light that candle: gas may be in the air!

Additionally, FEMA offers an unusual list of things you can do "before" an earthquake strikes.

Remember that 99% of the times you don't know it's coming, but there are simple things you can do to minimize damage and - most important - increase chances of survival.

It boils down to simple, practical things like not hanging a painting over your bed (may look nice but has been proven to cause migraine headcaches when it drops on your head!); keep delicate and breakable items in low cabinets (why would you put your china where you can't even reach for it anyways, right?); keep dangerous chemicals in closed, separated places (it helps to prevent ka-ta-boum boums!)

Read the complete list here and, other than doing some damage-prevention, you'll probably clean up your house and go for a clutter-free minimalistic look.

I say this of course with a touch of humour, but don't forget how serious the situation can be when disaster strikes.

And if you can't help with money or time, download the free music track (top right) "Whispering Thoughts"and send your positive thoguhts out there!

Ciao

CC