Earthquakes can cause various hazards, including ground faulting, landslides, and fires. Man-made hazards can also be unsafe and cause damage. It’s important to understand potential hazards and take precautions, such as earthquake-proofing homes and avoiding building on fault lines, to stay safe during seismic events. Preparedness is key.
Seismic hazards are the myriad of hazards associated with the occurrence and aftermath of an earthquake. Some seismic hazards are caused directly by the seismic event, such as ground faulting or liquefaction. Others are man-made hazards that are improperly protected or unsafe and can cause damage to surrounding areas in the event of an earthquake. In areas where earthquakes are common or likely to occur, it is important to understand what hazards may exist and how best to avoid them in order to stay safe during a seismic event.
An earthquake is a geological event that occurs when large pieces of the earth’s crust, called tectonic plates, suddenly shift or shift. The resulting shaking is the effect of the tectonic plates rubbing against each other during this movement. While the shaking in and of itself is rarely dangerous, ground movement can destabilize surface construction and also suddenly change the topography of the ground itself. Many seismic hazards involve the effect of tremors on man-made structures, such as buildings, dams and pipelines on or around the epicenter of an earthquake.
Major seismic hazards include collapse of buildings due to improper structural support, landslides or sinkholes created by unusual mixing of soil and water during and after an earthquake, flooding caused by the destruction of natural or man-made dams, and fires. In seismic areas, it is extremely important for planners and architects to understand the geographic topology of the area in order to reduce the potential for catastrophic damage from an earthquake. Avoiding placing structures on top of major fault lines, using advanced construction techniques, and creating gas and electricity systems that can shut off automatically during an earthquake event can reduce the possibility of serious earthquake hazards.
Not all seismic hazards exist on such an enormous scale. Even the inside of a family home can become a dangerous landscape during and immediately after seismic events. Tall furniture, such as dressers, cabinets and shelving, can fall during strong jolts, creating obstacles and even potentially injuring the inhabitants. Glass or mirror frames can easily shatter in an earthquake, sending sharp pieces flying and littering the ground with dangerous shards. Earthquake-proof residences are an important part of safety procedures in areas where earthquakes are common. Furniture should be fixed to the walls and a safe escape route should be established to allow for easy escape if necessary.
Preparedness is often the key to staying safe during any disaster, including earthquakes. Seismic events can occur anytime, anywhere and without warning. While the sudden violence of the earth cannot always be predicted, avoiding the risks of an earthquake is often possible through proper planning and precaution.
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