In 2017 a total of 463 earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.5 and higher occurred worldwide. Additionally, there were thousands of smaller earthquakes and tremors around the globe. Earthquakes strike suddenly and often without warning. This doesn’t mean that you and your ministry can’t prepare and reduce the risk of injuries and damages.
What Makes the Earth Shake?
The earth is composed of tectonic plates that are constantly shifting. These massive and irregularly shaped rock slabs glide over the Earth’s mantle which covers the core of the planet. Occasionally, the tectonic plates bump into each other during the shifting movement. When this “bumping” occurs, a sudden release of energy is created forming shock waves. Similar to the ripples in a pond, these waves radiate out creating the sensation that the ground is shaking.Reports of earthquakes may include the terms foreshocks, mainshock, and aftershocks. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), “Foreshocks are relatively smaller earthquakes that precede the largest earthquake in a series, which is termed the mainshock. Not all mainshocks have foreshocks.”
A mainshock is the largest or strongest portion of the earthquake. When scientists report the magnitude of an earthquake, the numerical measure that they cite is the strength or size of the main shock. For example, in 2004 the third largest earthquake ever recorded was a 9.1–9.3 magnitude main shock.
“Aftershocks are earthquakes that follow the largest shock of an earthquake sequence,” states the USGS. “They are smaller than the mainshock and … aftershocks can continue over a period of weeks, months, or years. In general, the larger the mainshock, the larger and more numerous the aftershocks, and the longer they will continue.”
What Risks Do Earthquakes Pose?
The risk from earthquakes comes in two forms–injuries and death of people and the damage and destruction of buildings. The primary threats come in the form of structural weaknesses, unsecured furnishings, burns caused by gas leaks or electrical fires, and improperly stored chemicals.Earthquakes strike suddenly and often without warning. To minimize accident and injury to church members and facilities, it is important to be prepared.
Preparing Your Facility
Review these questions with your safety committee to make sure your facility is properly prepared for earthquakes.- Does your organization have an emergency plan specifically for earthquakes?
- Does your emergency plan include regularly scheduled earthquake drills?
- Have you secured loose items that could fall or move during the shaking?
- Bookcases, shelving, picture frames, mirrors, televisions, computers, audio/visual equipment, refrigerators, furnaces, and water heaters.
- Are all chemicals, cleaning supplies, and other hazardous materials safely stored in locked cabinets and on bottom shelves?
- Are automatic gas shut-off valves installed on gas appliances? Have flexible hoses been attached to appliances?
- Have you shared blueprints of your building with local emergency personnel? Do you have a copy of the blueprints stored in a secure location outside of your facility?
- Has your building been inspected by a structural engineer to ascertain any weaknesses in the foundation or other parts of the facility?
What to Do During an Earthquake
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends the following actions during an earthquake.If you are inside a building:
- Drop down onto your hands and knees, so the earthquake doesn’t knock you down. Drop to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!)
- Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from falling debris. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall including light fixtures or furniture.
- Hold on to any sturdy covering so you can move with it until the shaking stops.
- Stay where you are until the shaking stops. Do not run outside. Do not get in a doorway as this will not protect you from falling or flying objects, and you may not be able to remain standing.
If getting safely to the floor to take cover won’t be possible:
Identify an area away from windows and objects that could fall on you. The Earthquake Country Alliance advises getting as low as possible to the floor. People who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices should lock their wheels, bend over, and remain seated until the shaking stops. Protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.
If you are outside when you feel the shaking:
Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open, “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Stay in place until the shaking stops.
If you are in a moving vehicle when you feel the shaking:
Stop as quickly and safely as possible, as it is difficult to control a vehicle during the shaking, and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that the earthquake may have damaged.
ARM Cares
Adventist Risk Management, Inc. (ARM) cares about you and your ministry. Our mission is to provide every church ministry with the tools, resources, and information needed to have a safe environment and protect every person who walks through their doors.Safety Sabbath 2018 is an opportunity for your church to be prepared for emergencies like an earthquake and show church members what to do if an earthquake occurs during a service. Register today for Safety Sabbath 2018 and get free access to all of the resources you need to conduct your own earthquake drill.
To learn more about how your church can prepare for emergencies and maintain its facilities, visit ARM’s Church Safety Resources page.
