QuakeReadyIDD Documentation

Cherie KorolMichael MengJay Cromwell

•Attach TVs and other large items to the shelves on which they rest

•Install latches on all cabinet doors, especially in the kitchen

•Move heavy pictures, mirrors, art away from couches, beds, and places where people may sit

During the Quake

•If inside, duck under sturdy furniture, cover your head with your arms, and hold on to the furniture until the quake ends

•A hallway or an inside wall is a safer place to hide

•Get out of the kitchen and away from windows, tall furniture, and fireplaces to minimize danger of things falling on you

•If you are outside, get to open land away from buildings, trees, power poles and things that might fall

•If you are driving, stop quickly but safely out in the open. Do not stop on or under bridges or raised highways, by power poles or anything that may fall on you

After the Quake

•Retrieve your first aid kit and administer first aid to those in need. See First Aid Personnel for details and info

•Check for hazardous situations around your home and fix those you can

•Fires - put out ones you can and call for help

•Electric - turn off main power breaker if it appears there is damaged wiring

•Gas - if you smell a gas leak, turn off the main gas valve

•Structure - inspect walls, chimneys, large furniture

•Spills - clean up gasoline, paint, bleach, and other dangerous liquids

•Unstable Items - carefully open pantry doors, medicine cabinets, and other places where items may fall out

•Expect aftershocks to occur. Be ready for more tremors and get to a safe place

•Check your earthquake survival kit and emergency food and water supplies. Move them if they are in an unsafe location

•Put on sturdy shoes and protective clothes, even inside your house, because of broken glass and debris

•If you are in a coastal location contact local tsunami emergency "http://www.emergencydude.com/tsunami.shtml"

•If you decide to evacuate, take your 72-hour earth quake kit, pack up, and leave. Travel by car may not be possible if roads are heavily damaged

•Listen to the radio for earthquake information updates and instructions

What To Expect During An Earthquake or Things You Might See During An Earthquake

•Hanging plants or lights moving or swaying

•Things falling off shelves or pictures falling off the wall

•Cabinets opening and shutting

•Trees swaying back and forth

Things You Might Hear During An Earthquake

•Things rattling or banging

•Things falling off of shelves

•The building creaking

•Car alarms going off

Things You Might Feel During An Earthquake

•Scared or confused

•You may feel a shaking, jolting or rolling motion

•It may be hard to walk

Modified Mercalli Scale of Intensity

The Modified Mercalli Scale of Intensity is a measure of what is felt during the earthquake and the resulting damage. The intensity of an earthquake loosely correlates with the size of an earthquake. Some factors which cause the intensity to vary from magnitude include: distance from the earthquake, soil type, local population, building density and structure quality.

Modified Mercali Scale

1.People do not feel any earth movement

•A few people indoors feel movement if they are at rest and/or on the upper floors of tall buildings

•Hanging objects swing back and forth

•People outdoors might not realize that an earthquake is occurring

•Most people indoors feel movement

•Hanging objects swing

•Dishes, windows, and doors rattle

•The earthquake feels like a heavy truck hitting the walls

•A few people outdoors may feel movement

•Parked cars rock

2. Almost everyone feels movement

•Sleeping people are awakened

•Doors swing open or close. Dishes are broken. Pictures on the wall move

•Small objects move or are turned over

•Trees might shake

•Liquids might spill out of open containers

3. Everyone feels movement

•People have trouble walking

•Objects fall from shelves

•Pictures fall off walls

•Furniture moves

•Plaster in walls might crack

•Tress and bushes shake

•Damage is slight in poorly built buildings

•No structural damage

•People have difficulty standing

•Drivers feel their cars shake

•Some furniture breaks

•Loose bricks fall from buildings

•Damage is slight to moderate in well-built buildings, considerable in poorly-built buildings

•Drivers have trouble steering. Houses that are not bolted down might shift on their foundations. Tall structures such as towers and chimneys might twist and fall. Well-built buildings suffer moderate damage. Poorly-built structures suffer severe damage. Tree branches break. Hillsides might crack if the ground is wet. Water level in wells might change

•Well-built buildings suffer considerable damage. Houses that are not bolted down move off their foundations. Some underground pipes are broken. The ground cracks. Reservoirs suffer serious damage.

•Most buildings and their foundations are destroyed. Some bridges are destroyed. Dams are seriously damaged. Large landslides occur. Water is thrown on the banks of canals, rivers, and lakes. The ground cracks in large areas. Railroad tracks are bent slightly.

•Most buildings collapse. Some bridges are destroyed. Large cracks appear in the ground. Underground pipelines are destroyed. Railroad tracks are badly bent.

•Almost everything is destroyed. Objects are thrown in the air. The ground moves in waves or ripples. Large amounts of rock may move.

References

Earthquake Emergency Procedure:

http://www.city.yokohama.jp/me/shobo/kikikanri/jishinpanfu/pdf/jishinpanfu.pdfhttp://www.condoark.com/CityOfVancouverPlans.php

http://www.pep.bc.ca/hazard_preparedness/prepare_now/prepare.html

http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx

http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/geolsurv/surficial/hazards/default.htm

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topics/driver_info/route-info/disroute/disaster_response_routes.htm

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topics/driver_info/route-info/disroute/disaster_response_maps.htm

http://earthquakescanada.nrcan.gc.ca/stndon/NEDB-BNDS/bull-eng.php

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/

http://www.cnv.org//server.aspx?c=3&i=515 http://www.cnv.org//server.aspx?c=3&i=515

http://vancouver.ca/emerg/citydoing/vanep.htm#purpose

Earthquake Applications

http://www.appstorehq.com/1stresponsebeprepared-iphone-12826/apphttp://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-radioactiveyak-earthquake-pEi.aspxhttp://www.powapps.com/iquakes/#_homehttp://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/natural_hazards/overview/nho0004.htm http://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/natural_hazards/overview/nho0004.htm

Application Attributes and Ideas That Could Be Implemented Into Our Application

AppBox Pro app

http://www.allaboutapps.net/

WunderRadio apphttp://www.wunderradio.com/

Morse-It apphttp://appstore.free.fr/MorseIt/?lang=en

Google Maps apphttp://www.google.com/mobile/maps/

Spots – The WiFi Hotspot Directory

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id300150448?mt=8

Section 1Research Documentation

User Scenarios

Research OverviewDisasters, both natural and man made such as earthquakes and tsunamis, are unpredictable and can occur at any time and anywhere. Every city and even municipality is susceptible to such disasters in different ways. When it does occur, your local city or municipality can offer leadership, help and information.

We as individuals can prepare for a major emergency in an organized manner prior to any disaster occurring as well. Personal emergency preparedness is very important. It will not only go a long way to safeguarding your family and loved ones, but will also help alleviate the pressures put on City and other government bodies and help to forward emergency plans in the face of an emergency situation. Earthquake preparedness can also offer a personal sense of security when it comes to anticipating the unknown.

Earthquakes are common in BC and more than 1200 earthquakes occur each year. Most are much too small to actually be felt, but an earthquake capable of causing real structural damage is anticipated in the province of British Columbia about once every decade. There is a real risk that one of these could be “the big one.”

In today’s technology based society, individuals look for efficient ways to utilize and organize information. In the face of uncertainty, community, knowledge, and information are key to establishing personal confidence and security. A mobile phone application designed for emergency preparedness would provide the security and ease of mind required by individuals to help prepare themselves should an earthquake occur.

Information/Data Needed

How to Prepare for an Earthquake

1. Prepare ahead of time. There are many different things that go into an earthquake preparedness kit. See this link for specific details on packing your earthquake preparedness kit for you house, car, work environments. 

2. Also, make sure you prepare mentally so that you know what to do without panicking during the earthquake. Try to stay calm during the earthquake. Many times, injuries or death occur which could have been prevented due to panic. When the earthquake starts, begin to think about the steps you need to take, which are outlined in the following steps.

3. If you are inside when the earthquake starts, stand in doorway or crouch under a sturdy desk or table. Be sure to stay a safe distance from any windows, glass doors or large pieces of furniture containing doors or which are not secured to a wall. If you are outside during the earthquake, get away from buildings, trees, telephone poles and power lines. If you are driving, drive away from underpasses and overpasses. Stop in clear area and stay in the vehicle until the earthquake has stopped.

4. After the earthquake, check for injuries. Provide first aid as needed and seek medical attention if required.

5. If you are at home (or when you return home) make sure all family members know how to check for and turn off gas, water and sewage leaks as well as downed power lines or electrical shorts. Turn off utilities as required by the situation. It may prove useful to take your digital camera and make a How-to guide, customized to your home, for these things which can be stored in the kit. This guide can prove useful in other applications, not just earthquakes.

6. Check for building damage (broken window, shattered glass, etc) and potential problems during aftershocks.

7. Remember to wear shoes after the earthquake. It will prevent injuries if things have fallen off of shelves or out of cupboards.

8. At some time during this process, turn on the radio on and listen for instructions from public safety agencies. A battery or crank operated radio is handy in this situation as you often will not have power.

9. Use the telephone for emergencies only. The lines become overwhelmed by calls after an earthquake due to people checking on relatives or friends. These lines may be needed for emergencies so you do not want to tie them up.

10. Plan family emergency procedures, and make plans for reuniting your family. Be sure that everyone knows all emergency telephone numbers (doctor, hospital, police, 911, etc). It can be good to store these in all cell phones for your family.

How to Make an Earthquake Family Plan

1. Keep the kids at school. Your first instinct might be to run to school, gather your kids and head home, but it's a mistake. Schools are first-response sites for emergency crews. Unless you are absolutely certain that your home is sound and there is no gas leak or live wires in front of or in the house, then let your kids know that they are to stay at school until a responsible adult picks them up. If they are walking or biking home, they should turn around and head back to school property.

2. Designate a location to meet. If your kids are older and driving to school or carpooling with friends, make sure that they know the location of the emergency meeting spot. It can be as simple as the mailbox at the end of your property or the sidewalk across the street, but let your kids know that you will be at that meeting spot should an earthquake happen and they are away from you. If it's safe to travel, they should make every effort to get to that meeting spot, as should you. This will minimize running around town hoping your kids are safe at a friend's house.

3. Identify an out of area contact. Local lines will jam or go down, but out of state or international lines are often easily available during an emergency. Make sure your family agrees on and memorizes and out of area contact person. This person can act as a central means of communication passing messages back and forth to family members.

4. Make sure everyone (age appropriate, of course) knows how to turn off the water, gas and electricity. While you'll need a professional to turn back on the gas, it's better to turn it off when there is a big quake as aftershocks are typical and an already weakened gas line can rupture, causing danger to your family.

5. Know the evacuation location. Schools, preschools and day care centers have a designated emergency evacuation location. Know where it is so that you can get there quickly and easily without panicking after an earthquake.

6. Practice. Quiz the family on where to meet and who the out of area contact is on a regular basis. Living in earthquake country means being vigilant to the off chance that a large earthquake is going to hit. Be prepared and keep your family safe.

How to Be Safe During an Earthquake

Indoor Safety

1. Stay where you are. Do not attempt to go outside or to another location.

2. Move away from windows, doors and unsecured furniture such as bookshelves. Do not stand under large light fixtures or ceiling fans.

3. Find a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a table, to get under. Find a secure doorway If no furniture is available. Otherwise, lay on the floor and cover your head with anything that is available.

4. Remain inside until the shaking has stopped.

5. Ensure that the building is sturdy before moving to the exit. Do not use the elevator and call for help if you cannot safely leave the building.

6. Never place heavy objects over beds or sitting areas. Keep heavy objects lower than the height of the shortest member of your family in order to prevent things from falling on your heads during the earthquake.

Outdoor Safety

1. Stay outside. Do not go into any buildings and move as far away from them as possible. Pull over and stay inside a vehicle if you are driving.

2. Move away from trees, power lines and light poles. Move off of bridges or damaged roads.

3. Wait until the shaking has stopped. Do not enter damaged buildings or drive on damaged roads.

How to Make an Earthquake Survival Kit

1. Buy a large storage bin to place the kit in. The storage container needs to be big enough to hold everything.

2. Place a crescent wrench in the kit. A crescent wrench is necessary to turn off the gas and water in your home. The gas can stay on unless you have massive damage or unless you smell gas.3. Purchase flashlights for each member of the family. Keep two sets of batteries for each flashlight.4. Gather enough bottled water, canned food and dried food to sustain your family for three days. Include one gallon of water per family member per day. If there are infants in your family, include powdered formula. Remember to include a manual can opener for the canned food.5. Purchase a camp stove or small grill to cook on. Buy one extra can of gas if you have a camp stove. Add charcoal or gas to the earthquake survival kit if you have a grill. Include matches or a lighter to light the fire for the grill or stove.6. Buy disinfectant cleaner to clean surfaces after the earthquake.7. Purchase a first aid kit that contains all required medications for your family, adhesive bandages and antibiotic cream.8. Include a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio with two sets of replacement batteries. The radio can provide you with updates and information if televisions, telephones and computers aren't available.9. Gather three pairs of clothes and an extra pair of shoes for each member of the family. Change out the clothes in the kit as your children grow so the clothes fit them when the earthquake hits.10. Put extra blankets in the kit.11. Include at least $100 in cash for the kit. If the electricity goes out, credit card machines don't work. Cash allows you to purchase necessary items.12. Buy at least one fire extinguisher for your house. The fire extinguisher must work on all types of fires.

Other Items You May Need:

• Storage container• Crescent wrench• Flashlights and batteries• Water• Food• Can opener• Disinfectant• First aid kit• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio• Blankets

• Clothing and shoes• Money• Fire extinguisher• Grill or camp stove

A walkthrough to see if you and your loved ones are prepared for an earthquakeBefore the Quake•Are your utilities shut-off? Do all family members know what to do?

•Have you phoned contacts to tell them that everyone is safe from the earthquake?

•Designate one family member's cell phone number or out of town relative to contact

•Does your family know where the meeting place is? Designate a meeting place for all family members if phones are down

•Get trained in first aid so you can help your family and neighbors

•Know where your nearest police, fire, and medical facilities are and the best routes to them

•Discuss earthquake preparedness with your neighbours to help them prepare

•Maintain a 72 hour emergency kit as your earthquake survival kit "http://www.emergencydude.com/grab-go-kit.shtml"

•Maintain emergency food and emergency water supplies "http://www.emergencydude.com/emergency_food.shtml" "http://www.emergencydude.com/emergency_water.shtml"

Is Your Home Prepared For an Earthquake?

•Strengthen your house foundation

•Brace load-bearing walls

•Anchor house to foundation

•Reinforce your chimney

•Brace your water heater

•Use flexible gas connector pipes on all gas appliances

•Anchor large appliances and furniture to walls with flexible anchors