An earthquake in early February toppled a big apartment complex in Tainan, resulting in the deaths of 114 people. While many attributed the collapse to shoddy construction, some have also wondered about the design of the buildings in the complex. But home interiors and their furnishings may also pose dangers in an earthquake. Today, we introduce some basics on earthquake precautions and evacuation. The owner of this house has designed and arranged every corner in meticulous detail. Unfortunately, no thought has been paid to disaster prevention, and in the event of an earthquake these home furnishings could become killers.Cheng Yue-shengTainan Volunteer Fire Dept.During one rescue effort, I came across a person who was injured whose apartment was fine. He was hurt by his standing closet. I suggest purchasing metal brackets from hardware stores to secure closets and cabinets to the wall to prevent them from falling over in a disaster. Wang Jie-juMing Chuan University Professor Prevention is a lifestyle attitude and not just something you practice. People should take to heart this interior design concept and ask an interior designer or architect if their residence is safe. They should find out if posts or beams can be removed.Taiwan is located in an active seismic area where earthquakes frequently occur. But no one can predict when disaster will strike. All one can do is take precautions.Cheng Yue-shengTainan Volunteer Fire Dept.When I go to sleep, I keep a bottle of water by my bed along with a flashlight in the event of a natural disaster. These things could save my life. Shan Hsin-yuNational Chiao Tung University In the 921 earthquake, more than 2,500 people were killed, with many suffering from head injuries. So when it comes to natural disaster prevention, safety helmets within hand’s reach can provide us with an extra layer of head and neck protection. This can increase your chances of survival.There are differing opinions about how to protect yourself in the event of an earthquake. Some say you should try to evacuate the building, while others say you should stay put and hide near columns or under tables. There is no consensus on what is safest. Shan Hsin-yuNational Chiao Tung University Everyone has their own experience, and I have seen how others survive. But I personally think we should look at the overall statistics. Hiding under a table is still the best way to protect our own safety. This is because when other furniture crashes down, you still have something hard over your head protecting you. Experts warn that some tables may not be strong enough or suitable as a place for refuge. Therefore, the correct approach should be to judge conditions at home and surrounding premises to gain a better feel for safety.Wang Jie-juMing Chuan University Professor Usually family members can have a discussion about which part of the home is safe, and the layout of each bedroom. When an earthquake occurs, parents shouldn’t have to worry about looking for their child. We should all take care of our own safety first. Statistics from around the world show that after an earthquake one typically has 8 to 12 seconds. If you’re thinking what your next step is going to be, that 8 to 12 seconds will go by awfully quickly. If someone becomes trapped or faces other difficulties they should not expend too much effort. They are better off waiting for rescuers to appear and to try to get their attention by making noise. Cheng Yue-shengTainan Volunteer Fire Dept.One should quietly wait, and then when you hear voices outside, grab some stone or wood and engage in a knocking sound. You shouldn’t randomly make noise, because rescuers may think it’s another sound. You should make a steady knocking sound so that others will realize it is being made by a human being. That way we can move in that direction. Taiwan has many earthquakes and disaster prevention education is essential. The Fire Department provides instruction to kindergartens, universities, and companies, when these organizations apply. But some people don’t take the instruction and drills seriously. Shan Hsin-yuNational Chiao Tung University When we conduct earthquake education or simulated drills, what we try to tell children is to not be afraid. We teach them not to be afraid of earthquakes but this may be a problem. Being afraid isn’t a bad thing and doesn’t mean that you can’t act. I think that a little bit of fear can protect us. In early February, the earthquake centered in southern Taiwan led to a discussion involving the government and the public about disaster prevention. Many are hoping that this teaching moment will be truly taken to heart and applied to everyday life.

• published: 21 Mar 2016
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