In Case of Earthquakes: Earthquake Preparedness Tips for Travelers

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Are you earthquake ready? Drop, Cover, Hold!

Safety is important for any traveler. The recent natural disasters, however, shouldn't put an end to your travel plans. Life is short and there are many wonderful places to explore. Preparedness is the key to a safe travel to any place, whether or not the destination is prone to earthquakes. Here are some safety tips so that you won't be caught off-guard when an earthquake strikes while you're in another country: 




BEFORE TRAVELING ABROAD


1. Make sure to provide a family member, relative or close friend a copy of your itinerary and contact numbers overseas so that they can get in touch with you in case of emergency. Include also the contact information of the place you'd go to for safety in case emergency strikes. 




2.  Bring a list of emergency contact numbers, including contact information of hospitals or organizations offering emergency services in your travel destination (such as the local Red Cross/Red Crescent chapter),  as well as numbers of your country's embassy or consulate.  Register with your country's embassy, too.  




3. Try learning a few phrases in the local language or bring a list of phrases you can use to communicate with locals in case of emergency. 




4. For earthquake notification, go to: https://sslearthquake.usgs.gov/ens/. For tsunami warning, watch, or advisory in the Pacific, check http://ptwc.weather.gov/ . If you are traveling to the Philippines, check http://volcano.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/update_SOEPD/EQLatest.html  for latest seismic events. You can also read about world earthquake information from http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/world/. 




5. Learn how to do the  Drop, Cover, and Hold  method  of surviving in an earthquake. 


6. Aside from your travel essentials, bring with you sturdy shoes, a flashlight and a small emergency kit. 

UPON ARRIVAL


1. Check the local news upon arrival for any warnings or advisories. 


2. Be aware of the emergency exits, earthquake plans, or evacuation routes in any building that you will be staying. Identify safe places in your hotel, inn, resort or conference center. 


3. If you plan to explore a mountainous area, make sure to register with local authorities or ask your guide(s) to register your group. 


4. An earthquake could generate a tsunami, especially in coastal areas. If you'll be staying near the beach, identify a place that is at least 30 meters above sea level which you can quickly go to after a quake. Ask locals or your hotel concierge for information. 


5. Communication is important, so make sure to regularly charge your mobile phone(s). 


6. Use common sense. If you experience or hear of a quake happening in a nearby area, move quickly to a safe place. Don't wait for officials to issue a warning. Likewise, if you are in the beach and you notice the ocean receding rapidly, immediately proceed to high ground since that's a sign that a big wave might be coming. 


7. The American Red Cross has an  earthquake safety checklist which you should read again upon arrival at your destination. 


Remember, preparedness is the key to survival, whether you're traveling overseas or staying at home. 


Got any travel safety tips to share? Feel free to post your  suggestions or tips! 

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Sources:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/04/070402-tsunami_2.html
http://www.washington.edu/emergency/prepare/drop_cover_hold
http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Earthquake.pdf
http://ptwc.weather.gov/

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/world/