Earthquake Safety and Your Mattress

In case of an
earthquake, one knows to keep calm, and remember a mattress can be your friend.
Ideally one wants to be an open field, but that is not likely to be the case.
Instead one is likely to be moving around inside a building.

If one is outside
get away from buildings and power lines. Accidents are more likely to occur
when things fall down on a person, rather than the ground swallowing them up.
The ground may ripple like water, but it will be more likely to knock one over
than create a cavern.

Inside, move to a
doorway as they are built to stay up against normal gravity, and they are part
of walls, which are more stable than bookshelves. Unless the door has a
horseshoe above it or some other decoration that can cause a head injury. Avoid
glass  in mirrors or windows that can
shatter. Getting under a table or desk works, but space can get tight if one
has to stay there for a long period of time.

If one is in bed,
stay put. Government guidelines say to pull a pillow over ones head and face
and wait it out. Most likely one woke in the middle and trying to find another
shelter while half asleep isn't safe. Crawling under the bed can provide some
protection, but how many people have crawled under their beds lately. Falling
debris will be cushioned by the mattress itself. Any bedding can provide
protection from lacerations.  A closet
with a hastily grabbed mattress might help protect best. Remember the type of
mattress doesn't matter, a foam mattress can protect just as well as a
traditional mattress.

Think about any
really heavy objects mounted or stored on high shelves. Perhaps lowing them, or
simply don't position a desk or bed directly beneath them. Remember that after
earthquakes dust and debris can be blown into the air. Covering ones mouth with
a piece of cloth can keep some of the smaller bits out.

Certainly any
children who live in areas of heavy earthquake activity should be coached on
what do you. Remind them to remain calm. Panic can cause more damage, rather a
cool head can help one pull through. Remind them that if they don't have a
mattress, a couch or chair can be flipped and used to provide a soft barrier.
Work through the entire process with them from initial incident to an adult
reaching them. Remind them that they can take a large cushion or twin mattress
with them while following their escape route, if it makes them feel more safe
after in initial tremors are over. Again if one lives in an area of high
activity setting up a meeting point outside and practicing what happens can
help everyone feel better should an incident occur.