Did you feel the Sunday evening Earthquake on 24th April 2019? Did you expect it? Well, Many were got unaware, but what do you need to do just in case of any? What do you also need not to do during such incidents?
After Parts of South Eastern Kenya experienced a light Earthquake of magnitude 4.8 on the Richter scale on Sunday evening, Many Kenyans felt it and took to Twitter to share their experiences.
The Meterological department confirmed the earth tremor hit some parts of Kenya, but caused no significant damage was caused.
The tremor was felt in Naivasha, Nakuru, Makueni, Mombasa, Kiambu and Nyeri.
But what should you do during an earthquake to ensure your safety?
When indoors
Should you be indoors, first and foremost, take cover under a strong table or any other piece of furniture.
While taking cover, be sure to hold on until the shaking stops.
In the instance of not being around furniture, you can hide under, use your arms to cover your face and your head while crouching at in an inside corner of the building.
Be sure to stay away from any lighting fixtures or furniture that can fall, these include glass, windows, outside doors and walls.
If you are in bed during the earthquake, protect your head with a pillow, and should you be under light fixtures that could fall, move to the nearest safe place.
Contrary to popular belief, only use a doorway as a means of protection if you are sure that it is strongly supported and if it is in close vicinity to you.
According to research, most injuries during earthquakes occur when people attempt to escape a building. Be sure to remain in the building until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside.
When outdoors
It is possible for power cuts to occur during earthquakes, for this reason, do not use elevators when escaping.
When outdoors, the biggest danger lies in being directly outside building, at the exits of buildings, and near the exterior walls, should you be outside, remain where you are, and only move if you are near a building, streetlights or electricity wires and cables.
Once you are in the open, be sure to stay there until the shaking halts.
In a vehicle
Should you be in a vehicle, stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so and remain in the vehicle. If possible, do not stop near buildings, or under trees, bridges or electrical wires.
Once the earthquake comes to an end, be sure to avoid any road or bridges that have been impacted by the earthquake.
Should you be trapped under debris, your first step should be to protect yourself from inhaling the dust, you can do this by covering your mouth with a piece of cloth or handkerchief. Try to remain still in order to avoid kicking up more dust.
In order to get the attention of rescuers, tap on a wall or pipe, and only use screaming as the last resort as it can cause you to inhale more dust.
The Kenya Met department tweeted that quakes like this occur worldwide and while they can be felt, they generally cause no damage.