Wake up call for the disaster management set-ups

Nagaland felt its share of tremors even as people were shaken out of their beds in the wee hours of January 4 when an earthquake with its epicentre at Tamenglong, Manipur, rocked the entire North East region including the neighbouring countries for well over 3 minutes.
Although the epicentre of the quake which was at Tamenglong of neighbouring Manipur, no casualty or damage of property has been reported from any part of the state except a few minor self inflicted injuries reportedly incurred by panic while trying to run to safety.
The quake comes as a serious wake-up call for the disaster management set-ups as Nagaland is found to be in the proximity of high earthquake prone area infamously called the ‘Ring of Fire’.
The need to follow specific guidelines provided by Indian Siesmological Department in construction of multi-storey buildings in earthquake prone areas has been brought to the limelight as unsafe construction methods and low grade building materials seriously hampers the safety of the people.
 Do’s and Don’ts
What to Do Before an Earthquake
Repair deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
Anchor overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling.
Follow BIS codes relevant to your area for building standards
Fasten shelves securely to walls.
Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, settees, and anywhere that people sit.
Brace overhead light and fan fixtures.
Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
Secure water heaters, LPG cylinders etc., by strapping them to the walls or bolting to the floor.
Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
Identify safe places indoors and outdoors.
Under strong dining table, bed
Against an inside wall
Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over
In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, flyovers and bridges
Know emergency telephone numbers (such as those of doctors, hospitals, the police, etc)
Educate yourself and family members
Awareness Generation Resources for Earthquake Diasaster Management
Disaster(Earthquake) Resistant Construction Practice
Techno Legal Regime for Safe Construction Practice (Model Amendment in Town & Country Planning Legislations, Regulation for Land Use Zoning and Building Byelaws for Structural Safety)
Past Programmes/Projects, Resource Materials on Earthquake Risk Management.
Have a disaster emergency kit ready
Battery operated torch with extra batteries
Battery operated radio
First aid kit and manual
Emergency food (dry items) and water (packed and sealed)
Candles and matches in a waterproof container
Knife
Chlorine tablets or powdered water purifiers
Can opener.
Essential medicines
Cash and credit cards
Thick ropes and cords
Sturdy shoes
Develop an emergency communication plan
In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the ‘family contact’ after the disaster; it is often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Help your community get ready
Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices and hospitals.
Conduct week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
Work with local emergency services and officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairment on what to do during an earthquake.
Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.
Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programmes, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.
What to Do During an Earthquake
Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps that reach a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
If indoors
DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there is no a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
Protect yourself by staying under the lintel of an inner door, in the corner of a room, under a table or even under a bed.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, (such as lighting fixtures or furniture).
Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load bearing doorway.
Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
If outdoors
Do not move from where you are. However, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires.
If you are in open space, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings; at exits; and alongside exterior walls. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
If in a moving vehicle
Stop as quickly as safety permits 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 might have been damaged by the earthquake.
If trapped under debris
Do not light a match.
Do not move about or kick up dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.