Taipei, Sept. 17 (CNA) For those who are new to Taiwan, the country is prone to earthquakes as it is seated between the Philippine and the Eurasian plates, where seismic activities are frequent.
Most of Taiwan's newer office and residential buildings are built to withstand relatively strong earthquakes, but to ensure safety and reduce damage, here are some of the recommendations by the Central Weather Bureau:
●Before an earthquake
1. Learn how to quickly switch off gas, water and electricity.
2. Keep hanging objects firmly secured; lock up the cabinet tight.
3. Do not place weighty objects on tall shelves; secure heavy furniture prone to fall over during an earthquake.
4. Secure a shelter in advance.
5. Examine firefighting equipment regularly, where available.
●During an earthquake
1.Open the front door. The door and the doorframe could become warped by the shaking causing the door to jam shut.
2.When indoors, shield your head with something close at hand such as a pillow or cushion. Then take cover under a desk or table, a strong door frame, or against an interior load-bearing wall.
3. Keep calm and immediately shut off electricity, gas, and tap water.
4. When outdoors, protect yourself from falling objects such as potted plants.
5. If you are in the suburbs, avoid cliffs, riversides and shores, and move to a clear area.
6. Do not try to rush out of a building; do not use elevators.
●After an earthquake
1. Check if people near you are hurt and give necessary first aid.
2. Turn on the radio for emergency instructions and disaster reports.
3. Better to wear shoes or boots to avoid being hurt by broken window glass or other sharp objects.
4. Check the structure of the house and quickly leave if it is damaged; during evacuation, take the stairs.
5. Stay away from beaches and ports in case tsunami should happen.
6. Be aware of aftershocks.
(By Lee Hsin-Yin) ENDITEM/jc
