Earthquake & Management
Sudden shaking, rolling or shock of the earth's surface — short, unpredictable, and a constant risk for the Caribbean.
Earthquake kicks off the multi-hazards campaign
An extract from NTV News — part of NDMD's 12-month multi-hazards awareness campaign.
What is an Earthquake?
Earthquakes are the shaking, rolling or sudden shock of the earth's surface. They happen along cracks — called fault lines — in the earth's surface. Earthquakes can be felt over large areas, although they usually last less than one minute.
Earthquakes cannot be predicted — although scientists are working on it. In the Caribbean they can happen at any time.
You can't predict an earthquake — but you can be ready for one. Family drills and a safe-spot in every room cost nothing and save lives in the first ten seconds of shaking.
Drop, Cover, Hold On!
The universal three-step response taught worldwide. Practice it as a family — when shaking starts you have seconds, not minutes.
DROP
Get down on your hands and knees immediately — before the quake knocks you down.
COVER
Take cover under a sturdy table or heavy furniture. If nothing's there, crouch by an inside wall and protect your head and neck with your arms.
HOLD ON
Hold on to your shelter and stay put until the shaking stops. Move with it if it shifts.
What to Do
Before
Prepare your home and family long before the shaking starts.
- Build an emergency kit (water, food, flashlight, first-aid, battery radio)
- Make a family communications plan and a meet-up point
- Know the safe spots in every room — under a sturdy table or against an inside wall
- Hold earthquake drills with the family — Drop, Cover and Hold On!
During
If inside:
- DROP to the ground immediately
- Take COVER under a sturdy table or heavy furniture
- If nothing to get under, cover face and head with your arms and crouch near an inside wall
- HOLD ON until the shaking stops
- Stay away from windows, glass, lighting fixtures and tall bookcases
- STAY INSIDE — don't run outside while shaking
If outside:
- Stay outside — move away from buildings, streetlights and wires
- Stay in the open until the shaking stops
- Avoid bridges, overpasses and parking structures
If trapped under debris:
- Cover your mouth and nose with your shirt to filter dust
- Do not scream — you could breathe in dust
- Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can find you
After
The first hour after a quake is critical — stay calm and stay informed.
- Expect aftershocks — usually weaker but can cause damage
- Open cabinets carefully — objects may have shifted and could fall
- Text, don't talk — voice calls block phone lines for emergency workers
- Check yourself and others for injuries; only move the seriously injured if there's further danger
- Listen to the radio for official information and instructions
Words to Know
Aftershocks can continue for days, weeks or even months after a major earthquake — usually weaker than the main shock, but strong enough to bring down already-damaged buildings.
Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale
Earthquake intensity is measured by what people feel and how much damage occurs — from "barely noticed" through to "total destruction".
Light · I–IV
Felt by few or many indoors. Hanging objects may swing. Vibration like a passing truck.
Moderate · V–VII
Felt by all. Some heavy furniture moves. Plaster cracks. Some chimneys broken. Damage slight to moderate in well-built structures.
Strong · VIII–XII
Considerable damage in ordinary structures. Heavy buildings collapse. Ground cracks open. Pipes broken. Rails bent. Destruction near total at the highest levels.