KINGSTON, Jamaica — Individuals are being urged to prioritise preparedness and remain calm should Jamaica experience an earthquake.

This urging comes from Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) Education Officer, Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, who spoke during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’.

He explained that preparation is critical in helping individuals remain composed during disasters.

“Don’t panic. I know that’s the easiest thing to say and the most difficult thing to do, but prior preparation will ensure that, as much as possible, you don’t panic,” Ebanks stated.

He cautioned against running out of buildings during an earthquake, noting that this often results in serious injuries.

“You [need] to stay put, [then] drop, cover and hold until the shaking stops. When the shaking stops, that is when you want to exit the building,” the senior JFB officer advised.

He added that motorists who experience an earthquake while driving, particularly on bridges, should safely exit the bridge before stopping. He also cautioned individuals in urban areas with tall buildings to exercise care.

“If you are in a space where you have a lot of tall buildings on either side of you, what you want to do, as a rule of thumb… [is] get yourself outside of that space where if the building topples, it won’t fall on you,” Ebanks explained.

He further highlighted the importance of home preparedness, particularly the removal of heavy or hanging objects that could fall during an earthquake.

“For most households, we have a lot of things that are hanging on the walls. That is not safe, especially if you have them in your bedroom. In an earthquake, that can be the difference between life and death, because [those] can fall and cause severe damage,” he said.

In the aftermath of an earthquake, Ebanks advises families to immediately conduct a head count to ensure everyone’s safety.

“Whilst you are doing that head count, somebody else must have the responsibility of calling the emergency services, should the need arise. We want to stress [that], if there is no need for you to call at that time… do not call the emergency services,” he further stated.

The JFB, in collaboration with other State agencies, continues to promote public education and preparedness as key elements of disaster readiness.

Special focus is now being placed on earthquakes, as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) observes Earthquake Awareness Week under the theme ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’.

— JIS