DM issues guidelines for public in quake situation

Sajila Saseendran / 26 April 2013

Shaken by the panicky reaction from the public following the mild tremors felt in the UAE this month, the Dubai Municipality has brought out guidelines to tell residents what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

The tremors of the earthquake in Iran rattled buildings in the UAE and caused panic among residents on  April 16. KT file photo 

Though the officials reiterate that the emirate is safe from any high seismic activity, the civic body has stepped up measures to increase the awareness among the public and governmental agencies to tackle situations akin to what happened on April 9 and 16. Thousands of residents had rushed out of their buildings and stayed outside for hours when the earthquakes with epicentre in southern Iran and its border with Pakistan shook the buildings in the UAE on those two days.

The Geodetic and Hydrographic Survey Section of the Survey Department has printed flyers carrying the guidelines and details on how quakes take place, structure of the earth, and types of seismic waves. These will be distributed to residents and awareness classes and evacuation drills will be conducted in schools, according to the municipality’s seismology specialist Prof Kamal Mohammed Atiya.
After giving a lecture on earthquake safety measures at the municipality headquarters on Thursday, Prof Atiya said it was high-time that every building and entity had a plan in place to educate people about handling such crisis situation.
“This is a lesson for us. We need to be alert and smart though we are in a safe zone,” he told Khaleej Times.
Research and records of the municipality show that Dubai is located in an area of very low seismic activity. “Not only in Dubai but almost in all parts of the UAE, there have been only small tremors in the eastern side to the east of Masafi, and some minor seismic activity had taken place at Nazwa and northern Huwayait,” said Atiya.
“Most of the earthquake effects come from large distant south Iran and Pakistan earthquakes. Since these earthquakes took place at a great distant from all the UAE cities, more than 200kms away, they had little effect in the UAE.”
Citing that Dubai uses a seismic code larger than the one determined based on the recent seismic hazard studies done by DM in 2009, he said the buildings in Dubai can withstand an earthquake with a magnitude of 6 on the Richter Scale and a magnitude of 7 if it happens up to 30km away from the emirate.
“But, this doesn’t mean that we may experience any such quakes. These are estimated results based on our studies. We don’t intend to scare the public by disclosing these details. Instead, we want them to be aware of things. People should not pay heed to any rumours and should understand that so far no scientific tool has been developed that can predict an earthquake,” said Atiya.
“Since Dubai has not suffered any damaging earthquake either in recent or historical records we do not expect any of these damaging events to take place at all.”
However, he advised that occupants of high-rise buildings should stay calm and should try to take cover under strong desks or tables if they feel the tremors. “It is not recommended for them to go outside during a quake. They should not take elevators and stairs when the earth shakes. Everyone running out can also cause a stampede.”
However, the expert advised that people should leave their buildings if they see some damages after the quake. - sajila@khaleejtimes.com

Following are the highlights from the Dubai Municipality’s guidelines on “What to do before, during and after an earthquake.”

BEFORE EARTHQUAKES: Prepare Earthquake Emergency Kit. Establish an Earthquake Plan at your home or workplace. Learn first aid. Get training on how to use a fire extinguisher from your local fire department. Training will help you to stay calm in such situations and know what to do when an earthquake occurs. Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity. Don’t leave heavy objects on shelves (they’ll fall during a quake). Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor. Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace. Inform guests, babysitters, and caretakers of your plan. Everyone in your home should know what to do if an earthquake occurs. Assure yourself that others will respond properly even if you are not at home during the earthquake. Discuss earthquakes with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing earthquakes ahead of time helps reduce fear and anxiety and lets everyone know how to respond. Know Safe Spots in Every Room (i.e. Sturdy Tables, Desks) Know Dangerous Spots in Every Room (i.e. Windows, Hanging Objects, Fireplace, Appliances. DURING AN EARTHQUAKE If you are indoors during an earthquake: Stay There! Do NOT Run Outside Stay Calm & Remember the Phase, “Duck, Cover, and Hold” Stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away from windows and outside doors. It is very dangerous to try to leave a building during an earthquake. Don’t use matches, candles, or any flame. Don’t use elevators (they’ll probably get stuck anyway). If you are outdoor during an earthquake Stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you). If you’re in a car, pull over to a clear location, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops. Stay away from bridges, overpasses & tunnels. If you are in mountainous area stay away from falling rocks & other debris If you are on the beach/ocean front, move to higher ground or several hundred yards inland WHAT TO DO AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who needs it. Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut off the valves. Check for the smell of gas. If you smell it, open all the windows and doors, leave immediately, and report it to the authorities. Don’t use the phone unless it’s an emergency. Inspect your house for damages and stay out of damaged and unsafe buildings. Aftershocks can cause further damage to unstable buildings. Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep from cutting your feet. Do Not Turn On or Off any Electrical Devices. If you are at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in charge Listen to a portable, battery-operated radio for updated information and instructions from local authorities. Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, drop, cover, and hold on. What to include in an earthquake emergency kit If you thought your mobile phone, passport and jewellery are the most important things to keep ready if things start shaking, you are wrong. Below is a list of things that experts advocate people in the quake-prone areas to include in an emergency kit. A Flashlight Extra batteries Portable battery –operated radio First aid kit and first aid manual At least three gallons of water per person Canned food Non-electric can opener Essential medicines (including prescription medications) Protective clothing and rainwear Sleeping bag Sturdy shoes Rescue and Repair Tools Fire Extinguisher