Earthquake experts say that there are five things to be aware of when it comes to self-rescue after a quake.
First, if you are buried after an earthquake, stay calm. The most important thing is to have confidence in your survival and believe that someone will come to rescue you.
Second, protect yourself from further harm. Aftershocks will continue to occur after the main quake, the environment may deteriorate further, and rescue operations will take some time. Therefore, try to improve the environment you are in, stabilize yourself, and find a way to escape. Pay attention to keeping your breathing unobstructed, move away debris in front of your face and chest, and clear dust near your mouth and nose. If you smell gas or there is too much dust, cover your mouth and nose with wet clothes. Try to avoid unstable collapsed objects and hanging objects above your body. Move surrounding movable debris to expand your activity space. Use bricks, stones, or sticks to support collapsing walls to prevent being further buried during aftershocks. Do not use indoor power sources indiscriminately and do not light fires.
Third, try to contact the outside world. Listen carefully if there are other people around. When you hear voices, use rocks to knock on iron pipes or walls to send out distress signals.
Fourth, if you cannot contact the outside world, try to save yourself. Observe whether there are any passageways or light nearby. Analyze and judge your location and which direction might lead out. Try to remove obstacles and open up a passage. If opening up a passage takes too long, requires too much effort, or is unsafe, stop immediately and conserve your strength.
Fifth, if you cannot escape temporarily, patiently protect yourself. Do not shout loudly or make forced movements to prolong your life. Try to find food and water, and use them sparingly. If injured, try to bandage the wound.
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