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Precautions for Earthquake

Seismic Intensity Scale
Intensity Level What People Feel Effects Indoors Effects Outdoors
0 Undetectable Imperceptible to humans    
1 Slight People may feel slight shaking when motionless    
2 Weak Most people will feel shaking, and some sleepers may wake up Light shaking of dangling objects such as lamps Stationary vehicles shake slightly, similar to when a truck passes by, but only for a short time
3 Light Almost everyone will feel shaking, and some may experience fear Houses shake; bowls, plates, doors, windows etc. make noise; dangling objects swing Stationary vehicles shake visibly; power lines sway slightly
4 Moderate Will cause a considerable degree of fear; some people will look for shelter, and almost all sleepers will wake up Houses shake violently; objects tumble; heavy furniture moves; slight damage may occur Vehicle drivers feel slight shaking; power lines sway visibly; pedestrians also feel shaking
5 Lower Strong Most people are frightened and panic Some walls crack; heavy furniture may be overturned Vehicle drivers feel obvious shaking; some signboards and chimneys fall or collapse
5 Upper Almost everyone is frightened and panics, and has difficulty walking Large quantities of unsecured items tumble and fall; furniture moves or is overturned; some doors and windows become twisted; some walls crack; a small number of houses with poor seismic resistance may be damaged or collapse Wall tiles fall from some buildings; rockfalls occur in mountainous areas; liquefaction may occur in soft soil; utilities and/or communications may be interrupted in some areas; a small number of brick walls with poor seismic resistance may be damaged or collapse
6 Lower violent Violent shaking makes it difficult to remain standing Some buildings are damaged; heavy furniture is overturned; doors and windows twist Drivers have difficulty driving; soil liquefaction is seen
6 Upper Violent shaking makes it almost impossible to stand Lots of furniture moves violently or is overturned; doors and windows become twisted; some houses with poor seismic resistance may be damaged or collapse, and even houses with better seismic resistance may also be damaged Some ground surfaces crack; landslides may occur in mountainous areas; liquefaction occurs in soft soil; utilities and/or communications may be interrupted on a large scale
7 Extreme Violent shaking make voluntary action impossible Some buildings are seriously damaged or collapse; almost all furniture moves a long distance or tumbles Landslides occur and fissures appear; railroad tracks are twisted; underground pipelines are damaged
 

Before earthquake

  • Learn how to turn on and shut off gas, tap-water, and electricity valves.
  • Keep hanging objects firmly secured; lock up the cabinet tight.
  • Do not place weighty objects on high shelves; secure heavy furnishings.
  • Secure a shelter in advance.
  • Fire equipment should be examined regularly.

During earthquake

  • Keep calm and immediately shut off electricity, gas, and tap-water.
  • Protect yourself from falling objects such as signs or potted plants.
  • If you are in the suburbs, avoid cliffs, riversides, and shores, and move to a clear area.
  • Do not try to rush out of a building; do not use elevators.

After earthquake

  • Check if people near you are hurt and give necessary first aid.
  • Turn on the radio for emergency instructions and disaster reports.
  • Better to wear shoes or boots to avoid being hurt by broken window glass or other sharp objects.
  • Check the structure of the house and quickly leave there if it is damaged; during evacuation, take the stairs.
  • Stay away from beaches and ports in case tsunami should happen.
  • Be aware of aftershocks.
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Reference time: TST (Taiwan Standard Time; GMT + 08:00)
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