Badgers Abroad

Episode #2 - Earthquake Safety When Traveling

• UW–Madison International Safety & Security • Episode 2

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Natural disasters can happen anywhere, at any time. Episode #2 of the Badgers Abroad Podcast is about earthquake safety when traveling abroad. When it comes to earthquakes, preparedness is a necessity, even when you’re traveling. Earthquakes are one of the most unpredictable and devastating natural disasters that can occur. This podcast will provide you with essential tips and resources that can help you stay safe during an earthquake.

References and resources from the podcast are listed below:




Speaker: Jeremy Rohrer

Welcome to the Badgers Abroad podcast. My name is Jeremy, and I'm the assistant International Safety and Security Director at UW Madison's international division, and the host of this podcast. Today's episode is going to be about earthquake safety. When traveling abroad, when it comes to earthquake safety, preparedness is not a luxury, but a necessity, and the key to emergency preparedness lies in proactive planning, effective communication, and a commitment to safety even when you're traveling. 

Natural disasters can happen anytime, anywhere, and earthquakes are one of the most unpredictable and devastating natural disasters that can occur. This podcast will provide you with essential tips and resources that can help you stay safe during an earthquake, and I will reference materials in the show notes so you can do your own follow on research and planning before we talk about earthquake safety tips, let's touch on some recent events that illustrate why it is so important to be prepared for earthquakes when traveling earlier this year, in February, 2023 there was a tragic series of earthquakes that impacted Turkey and Syria.

Speaker: Newscaster

But we begin this morning with breaking news out of Turkey and Syria. Overnight, two massive earthquakes struck Southeastern Turkey, their magnitude 7.8 and 7.6. The quakes caused widespread devastation and a catastrophic loss of life, both in Turkey and across the border in northern Syria.

Speaker: Jeremy Rohrer

It was one of the most devastating seismic events to hit the region in more than 20 years, causing tens of thousands of deaths, displacing 1.5 million people, and resulting in widespread damage in an area approximately the size of Germany. Over 160,000 buildings were either destroyed or severely damaged. The bottom line is that the devastating incident in Turkey and Syria, one of many seismic events that happen every year, demonstrates why travelers should be prepared for an unexpected disaster. 

Knowing about earthquake risk is half the battle. The other half is being prepared for that risk and being ready to act. Earthquakes can occur unexpectedly, even in places not typically associated with seismic activity. Furthermore, travel in some countries may pose an increased earthquake risk, not just because of the frequency of earthquakes in the region, but because of the vulnerability of infrastructure and limited local emergency response capacity. 

So, the first step in earthquake safety while traveling is to research your destination, Know Before You Go, find out if the country or region you're visiting has a history of earthquakes. The Overseas Security Advisory Council encourages travelers to visit the global earthquake hazard map, which shows seismic risk all over the world. You can also visit the US Geological Survey's website and view their earthquake map. The site has information about seismic zones and recent seismic activity all over the world. We'll include a link to both of those sites in the show notes. 

Additionally, research the local emergency services, where you'll learn how they've responded to disasters in the past and what you can expect from local disaster response while you're in the country. Ask yourself how you can evacuate to the nearest city or airport, how you can access the nearest embassy, and whom among the emergency services you can contact during a disaster once you're on your trip, use your research to have informed discussions with local hosts or authorities, to further familiarize yourself with local emergency procedures, disaster resources, early warning systems and evacuation routes. These may be different from what you're used to at home, so take the time to read any available safety materials and ask questions. Understanding the local protocols and resources will allow you to respond quickly and efficiently in the case of an earthquake before and during your travel. 

If you have a choice when selecting accommodations, choose buildings that are structurally sound. Look for properties with reinforced structures that are designed to withstand seismic activity. Additionally, inquire about any emergency plans the facility may have, and the availability of emergency items such as flashlights, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers at the hotel, rental property, or host organization. 

It's also essential to stay informed while you're traveling, especially in earthquake-prone zones. If you can keep a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio handy to receive updates from local authorities, you should also monitor local news channels, social media, or other emergency communications channels for any instructions, advisories, or warnings related to the earthquake while you're getting informed. 

You should also make a plan for yourself and your traveling companions, so that you know how to react quickly and efficiently during and after an earthquake, even in the absence of direction or communication. Preparing a disaster response plan specific to earthquakes will allow you to focus on protecting yourself and others during and after the event, rather than simply reacting on the fly in the middle of a disaster, it is essential to rehearse your plan, both mentally and physically, and brief everyone in your group on the plan and ensure they demonstrate their understanding of the plan. This will build confidence in the plan and reduce fear and anxiety in yourself and in your traveling companions. When creating your earthquake plan, consider using the FEMA earthquake safety checklist, which, like the other resources, will be available in the show notes. You should do the following when creating your plan: identify safe zones and rally points you can go to during and after a disaster. Devise and conduct drills on how to respond during an earthquake. What actions do you take, and where do you go? Practice drop cover and hold a method that we will discuss shortly. Develop a communications plan for your group, your hosts and people you need to be in contact with back home, create an emergency kit with essential items such as food, water, extra medications, a flashlight, a power bank, appropriate clothing and a whistle to signal for help if you can keep your emergency kit, phone and charger, passport, identification and other important documents in a safe and easily accessible place. 

Now, when an earthquake does happen, it can be a surprising and disorienting event. Stay calm and fall back on your emergency planning and follow the established emergency procedures. There are a few simple actions that you can take during an earthquake that can help you stay safe, according to Ready.gov. A resource provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency also has some important tips for you on how you can respond during an earthquake. We'll link to those in the show notes, but here are a few of the basics. If you're indoors, drop to your hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. If you're outside, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines, and protect your head and neck from falling objects. If you are in a car, pull over and stop away from power lines, buildings, or other things that could fall on you. Remember to set your parking brake that covers before and during an earthquake. 

Now, what should you do after? After the shaking stops, there can be serious hazards, such as fires, damaged buildings, downed power lines, and leaking gas or water mains. Buildings can collapse, and there may be aftershocks if you are in a damaged building. Now is when you go outside quickly and move away from the building. Always use the stairs. If you are trapped, try to contact the outside with your phone, if it's available. You can also bang on a pipe or a wall with something hard or metallic to attract rescue crews. If you have access to your emergency kit, you can use a whistle to alert rescuers to your presence. You want to avoid breathing excessive dust, so make sure you cover your mouth with a piece of cloth and use your whistle or other signaling device instead of shouting. You can shout as a last resort. 

Always expect aftershocks to follow. They can often follow the main shock and can cause further damage to buildings. Be mindful that some earthquakes are foreshocks to larger seismic events. Once you are safe, pay attention to local news reports for emergency information and instructions using your battery operated radio, a TV, social media or other cell phone alerts, contact your local host, local officials in the nearest us, embassy or consulate for assistance, they may have a list of aid distribution sites, evacuation resources or rally points, check official sources, including the local embassy, often for updates in the first hours or days following a disaster, you may have to be prepared to provide for your own needs. Consider that in your planning, evacuation may not be safe or possible early on, as major earthquakes could damage transportation infrastructure, including airport runways and facilities. 

All right, that wraps up our episode on earthquake safety while traveling abroad. Remember, do your own research and planning. Traveling abroad is an exciting adventure, but it's important to be prepared and understand the potential risks. Preparedness starts with you. Take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and well-being and inspire those around you to do the same. Stay prepared, stay informed, and stay ready for whatever challenges may come your way. That concludes this episode. Thanks for listening until next time. Stay safe out there.