Reducing Your Risk of Injury in an Earthquake
You may remember, or have even felt, the rumbling that occurred up and down the east coast this summer as a 5.8 magnitude quake hit Virginia and surrounding areas. In fact, the effects of this quake were felt so far South that some reported feeling the effects in local Columbia, South Carolina.

A new study reported by USA Today says we can stop worrying about hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, tornados, fires, and asteroids crashing into Earth. So, you ask, what do we need to worry about? Earthquakes.

The study published by the medical journal “The Lancet” found that earthquakes are the deadliest natural disasters.
While many areas may be known for their fault lines, earthquakes can occur anywhere on the earth. The study stated that when an earthquake hits, it can cause fatal injuries to up to 8% of a city’s population. The inherent danger is in part due to the fact that earthquakes occur with little or no warning.

Protecting Yourself from Injury in the Event of an Earthquake

The most common injuries caused by an earthquake include lacerations, broken bones, bruises or sprains, and being crushed.

Common earthquake related injuries may be broken down as follows:

Lacerations (65 percent)
Broken bones (22 percent)
Bruises or sprains (6 percent)
Crush injuries (3 percent to 20 percent)

Importantly, the impact of an earthquake can be magnified by the fact that it can take out roads and bridges, making it harder for medical assistance to get to injured people.

In the past ten years, earthquakes have caused more than 780,000 deaths worldwide.

Preparing for an Earthquake

Several areas in South Carolina regularly experience earthquakes and have experienced strong earthquakes in the past. The two most significant earthquakes occurred in Charleston in 1886, and in Union County in 1913. Seismologists agree that where an earthquake has occurred, it can occur again. Although an earthquake cannot be predicted, there are safeguards that you can take in your home to protect yourself in the event that one occurs. For more information and additional resources, visit http://www.scemd.org/News/publications/EQ%20Guide%202008/EQ_Home_New_08.html

By: South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney Pete Strom