Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning and can occur at any time of the year, day or night. They are a well-known occurrence in the Caribbean with several hundred reported each year in the territory. 

This year, due to the pandemic and many people working remotely, our local team took the opportunity during the Great ShakeOut drill to have conversations with volunteers about protection options -- both at the office and at home.   

Another important element of earthquake safety in the territory is the possibility that even a small earthquake can trigger a tsunami. Evacuation planning is important, which includes knowing if your homes and offices are in tsunami zones.

"Hurricane season might almost be over, but many hazards -- like earthquakes -- can happen at any time of the year, day or night, and we need to be prepared," said Lily Alvarez, disaster program manager, St. Croix.

EARTHQUAKE SAFETY During an earthquake, do not try to move around. Drop, cover and hold on. Try to protect your head and torso. Here are some specific tips based on your location:

• If you are sitting at a desk or table, get under it. Otherwise drop wherever you are.
• If you are in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on. Protect your head with a pillow.
• If you are inside, stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. When it is, use stairs rather than the elevator in case there are aftershocks, power outages or other damage.
• If you are outside, find a clear spot (away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights) and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops.
• If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop. Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Then, drive carefullyas roads may have been damaged.
• If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris. Landslides are often triggered by earthquakes. 

DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for tips on what to do before, during and after earthquakes and other disasters. Get trained in first aid and CPR/AED skills and download the Red Cross First Aid app, so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE Now is a good time to review your plan of action. Here are some helpful resources.

• VITEMA tsunami info & evacuation maps
  
• Red Cross tsunami preparedness