1. Today you will learn … how to
predict, protect and prepare
for earthquakes. (3xP’s)

2. 1. Can earthquakes be Predicted?
• Watch this video and write down what
can be done to predict earthquakes.
Prediction, protection and preparation for earthquakes

3. 1. Prediction
water levels can rise in
wells and lakes because of
cracks in the rock
foreshocks before the main
quake can be detected by a
seismometer
animals can act strangely
before the earthquake
a tiltmeter can check any
movement within the rocks
1. Can earthquakes be predicted?
Prediction, protection and preparation for earthquakes

4. 2. Can you Protect people from earthquakes?
• Buildings can be made to protect people
who live and work in them.
• Building codes
can regulate the
design of
buildings so that
they are strong.
• For example the
Transamerica
Pyramid in San
Francisco.
Prediction, protection and preparation for earthquakes

5. Two ways a building can
withstand an Earthquake

6. Earthquake proof buildings
a. Skyscraper
modification
– A wide base leading up
to a thinner point
helps to channel
vibrations up and the
building is designed
not to sway from side
to side.
– Large scale dampers
can be placed on the
bottom of buildings to
help absorb the earth
vibrations.
Prediction, protection and preparation for earthquakes

7. Earthquake proof buildings
What is happening in Los
Angeles?
– LA buildings Video
P30-31
Prediction, protection and preparation for earthquakes

8. Iceland, HEP station

10. Steel ‘jackets’

11. 3. Preparation
What should people pack in their emergency kit?
Video here
make an emergency plan
Booklet here
organize regular
‘earthquake practices’
for offices and schools
E.g. Japan has one
annually - video
advise people to plan for an
earthquake (e.g. tell them to
turn off the gas, find a ‘safe’
place in their homes, pack an
emergency kit)
enforce regulations to
make some buildings
earthquake proof
3. How could you prepare for an earthquake?
Prediction, protection and preparation for earthquakes

12. Prediction, protection and preparation for earthquakes

13. Prediction, protection and preparation for earthquakes

14. YOUR TURN!
• Imagine you are an
architect and you need
to come up with a
design for a 20 story
government office block
in Haiti, where you
know earthquakes
strike.
• You need to come up
with a building design
that is as earthquake
proof as you can make it!
• Design a poster that
will be put up telling
people what to do
before, during and
after an earthquake.
• You will need to think
about where people
should shelter, what
they should pack in
earthquake emergency
kit and how to look after
themselves before help
arrives.
Prediction, protection and preparation for earthquakes

15. What to do in an earthquake?
1. Drop to the floor
and hold on!
Find a surface to hind
under fast to protect
yourself from falling
debris
2. ……………….. 3. ………………..

16. Questions to Think about
• How will you stop the building from
collapsing?
• If it does not fall how will you prevent
accidents in the building as it moves?
• What about falling glass and rubble on the
people outside?
• What about problems after the earthquake
(fire, gas and water leaks, no power)?
• Where will you build it? Away from built up
areas or near emergency services?
Prediction, protection and preparation for earthquakes