Earthquake Survival Tips: If you get trapped under debris in an earthquake, continuous shouting can cause harm. Know how dangerous it is and the important safety tips given by rescue experts.
Earthquake Emergency Guide: The earthquake in Venezuela has caused devastation in many cities. First an earthquake of 7.2 and then a few seconds later 7.5 magnitude, many buildings collapsed and hundreds of people were trapped under the debris. The estimate of the US Geological Survey (USGS) is so scary that there is a 30% possibility of loss of life of more than 1 lakh people here. Many buildings have collapsed and more than 500 rescue workers are searching for life in the debris. In such accidents, people often think that by shouting loudly they will get help quickly, but rescue experts say that in many cases this effort can increase your problems. Let us know why it is dangerous to scream if trapped under debris after an earthquake and what is the right way to save your life…
Why is it a big danger to scream after being trapped in a debris?
1. Toxic dust entering the lungs
It is very natural to scream in panic after getting trapped in the debris of a building, but science and rescue experts point out these 3 major disadvantages behind it. The first is the entry of poisonous dust into the lungs. According to experts, due to building collapse, huge dust of fine particles of concrete, cement and bricks is formed in the air. When you take a long breath to scream, this poisonous dust goes directly into your lungs, which greatly increases the risk of suffocation.
2. Waste of oxygen
The amount of air (oxygen) beneath the debris is already very limited. Screaming and panicking causes your body to consume more oxygen, which can quickly deplete the remaining air.
3. Hoarseness and loss of energy
Due to continuous screaming within a few minutes the throat becomes completely choked and the strength of the body is lost. By the time a rescue team actually comes close to you, you will not be able to raise your voice.
Then what to do?
cover mouth and nose
Instead of shouting, experts recommend adopting three methods to keep yourself safe and convey your message to the rescue team. First of all, cover your mouth and nose properly with any piece of cloth, handkerchief or shirt you have so that dust does not enter the lungs.
adopt tapping method
Instead of shouting, tap repeatedly on a pipe or concrete part with a stone or piece of iron lying near your hand. The sound of hitting metal or concrete travels great distances through debris and is immediately picked up by the rescue team’s detection equipment.
listen quietly
Stop for a while in between and try to listen to outside sounds. In a similar manner, 18 people have been rescued safely from the debris in Chacao city of Venezuela.