ACTION TO TAKE BY THOSE WITH MOBILITY DISABILITIES DURING EARTHQUAKES

 

In promoting actions to take during an earthquake, much of the promotional material is for those who are mobile; the recommended actions to take being, to DROP, COVER, HOLD ON preferable under a heavy table.

But what should you do if you are not fully mobile?

If an earthquake occurs one occurs you will need to adapt for your situation:

If you have difficulty getting onto the ground, to move under a table i.e. DROP COVER HOLD or cannot get back up again without the help of a caregiver or someone else, then follow these recommendations:

If you are in a recliner or bed: do not try to transfer during the shaking. Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.

If you use a cane: follow the Drop, Cover, and Hold On instructions on the previous page, or sit on a chair, bed, etc. and cover your head and neck with both hands. Either way, keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.

If you use a walker: LOCK your wheels (if applicable) and carefully get as low as possible. If your walker has a seat, sit and COVER your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. If no seat, try to get down with your head lower than the top of the walker. Bend over, then HOLD ON until shaking stops.

If you use a wheelchair: LOCK your wheels. COVER your head and neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Bend over and HOLD ON until the shaking stops.