HOW TO SURVIVE A DISASTER - EARTHQUAKES

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(By Shustov (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)

Earthquakes, also called temblors, can be so tremendously destructive, it’s hard to imagine they occur by the thousands every day around the world, usually in the form of small tremors.
Almost 60 percent of the people killed by natural disasters between 2000 and 2009 perished in earthquakes.

Most earthquakes occur at fault zones, where tectonic plates—giant rock slabs that make up the Earth's upper layer—collide or slide against each other. Immense stress can build up between plates, that when released quickly, sends massive vibrations called seismic waves up to the surface of the earth.

Quakes can also occur far from faults zones when plates are stretched or squeezed.
Scientists assign a magnitude rating to earthquakes based on the strength of their seismic waves. A quake measuring 3 to 5 is considered minor or light; 5 to 7 is moderate to strong; 7 to 8 is major; and 8 or more is great.

On average, a magnitude 8 quake strikes somewhere every year and some 10,000 people die in earthquakes annually. Collapsing buildings claim by far the majority of lives, but the destruction is often compounded by mud slides, fires, floods, or tsunamis. Smaller temblors that usually occur in the days following a large earthquake can complicate rescue efforts and cause further death and destruction.

Eight of the world's 10 most populous cities lie on tectonic fault-lines: Japan's capital, Tokyo; Mexico's capital, Mexico City; New York in the US, Shanghai in China, Jakarta in Indonesia, and three cities in India - Mumbai, Kolkata, and the capital, Delhi. 


Most earthquakes are over in seconds so knowing what to do instinctively is very important.

WHAT YOU CAN DO BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE STRIKES

Make sure your house doesn't move from its foundation during the earthquake's resulting ground motion.A seismic retrofit generally involves bolting the house to the foundation. The foundation itself might need some work.These efforts, when done properly, can help to shift the earthquake's force. Instead of damaging the structure of the house or knocking it off its foundation, the foundation itself absorbs the brunt of the shaking.

Arrange your home for safety: Store heavy objects on lower shelves and store breakable objects in cabinets with latched doors. Don't hang heavy mirrors or pictures above where people frequently sit or sleep.

A supply of food and water is essential for anyone in earthquake country.These provisions should be ready to eat or require minimal or no preparation. 

A first-aid kit is very important to have in case anyone suffers an injury.You should also have a backup supply of any prescriptions, as well as a variety of nonprescription drugs, such as pain relievers, antacids and medications for abdominal/intestinal problems. 

Your supplies should also include blankets, flashlights (with fresh batteries), tape, a wrench or other tool to turn off the gas, cash, a fire extinguisher and a battery- or hand-operated radio. 

Learn where the main turn-offs are for your water, gas and electricity. Know how to turn them off 

Documents like passports, identification, family records, bank account information, wills and other essential items should be stored in a safe or somewhere else secure.

WHAT YOU CAN DO WHEN AN EARTHQUAKE STRIKES

If you're outside during an earthquake, it's best not to move too much. You should avoid buildings and objects or structures that could fall.

If you're driving and it's possible to continue moving, drive slowly to a safe place, but don't stop on or under overpasses, bridges or other potentially unstable areas. Turn off the car, use its emergency flasher lights and keep the parking break engaged. Keep an eye out for objects that might fall, like power lines or trees.

If you're in bed, it might be best to stay there and use a pillow to protect your head and neck. Of course, if you haven't secured objects that could fall on your bed, then that's not a safe area.

If you are indoors, stay there. Practice DROP, COVER and HOLD

• DROP down to the floor.
• Take COVER under a sturdy piece of furniture. If that is not possible, seek COVER against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid danger spots near windows, hanging objects, mirrors, or tall furniture.
• HOLD the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move

As with a fire, elevators should be avoided.

If you are COOKING, turn off the stove and take cover.

If you’re in a CROWDED STORE, do not rush for exits. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.

If you’re in a STADIUM or THEATER, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over. Then leave in a calm, orderly manner.

WHAT YOU CAN DO AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE STRIKES

Keep in mind that aftershocks -- smaller tremors -- can occur for months after the initial earthquake, though the strongest ones will likely occur in the first few hours or days.

Check for injuries, attend to injuries if needed, help ensure the safety of people around you.

Check for damage. If your building is badly damaged you should leave it until it has been inspected by a safety professional.

If you smell or hear a gas leak, get everyone outside and open windows and doors. If you can do it safely, turn off the gas at the meter. Report the leak to the gas company and fire department. Do not use any electrical appliances because a tiny spark could ignite the gas.

If the power is out, unplug major appliances to prevent possible damage when the power is turned back on. If you see sparks, frayed wires, or smell hot insulation turn off electricity at the main fuse box or breaker. If you will have to step in water to turn off the electricity you should call a professional to turn it off for you.

EARTHQUAKE MYTHS DEBUNKED

Myth 1: "Go for the doorway when an earthquake strikes."

Modern homes are built so that doorways are no safer than any other part of the house. You are much safer under a table.

Myth 2: "Big earthquakes always happen in the early morning."

Earthquakes strike at all times throughout the day. Several recent damaging earthquakes have occurred in the early morning, so people tend to believe all big earthquakes happen then.

Myth 3: "Earthquake faults can open wide enough to swallow people and buildings."

Gaping faults exist only in fiction. During an earthquake, the ground moves across a fault, not away from it. If the fault could open, there would be no friction. If there were no friction, there would be no earthquakes.

Myth 4: "Earthquake can cause volcanic eruptions."

No, there are different earth processes responsible for volcanoes. Earthquakes may occur as a result of the eruption, but are not the cause of volcanic activity.

Myth 5: "We can predict earthquakes."

Earthquake prediction is the holy grail for earthquake scientists, but there currently is no accepted method to accomplish the goal of predicting the time, place and magnitude of an impending quake.

Myth 6: "Animals can predict earthquakes."

Because of their finely tuned senses, animals can often feel the earthquake at its earliest stages before the humans around it can. This feeds the myth that the animal knew the earthquake was coming. But animals also change their behavior for many reasons and cannot be used to predict earthquakes.

Myth 7: "It's Hot and Dry - Earthquake Weather."

Many people believe that earthquakes are more common in certain kinds of weather. In fact, no correlation with weather has been found. Earthquakes begin many kilometers (miles) below the earth's surface and are not affected by surface weather.

Myth 8: "Earthquakes only occur on the West Coast."

Earthquakes can strike any location at any time. But history shows they occur in the same general patterns over time, principally in three large zones of the earth. 

The world's greatest earthquake zone, the circum-Pacific seismic belt, is found along the rim of the Pacific Ocean, where about 81 percent of the world's largest earthquakes occur. 

The second important belt, the Alpide, extends from Java to Sumatra through the Himalayas, the Mediterranean, and out into the Atlantic. This belt accounts for about 17 percent of the world's largest earthquakes.

The third prominent belt follows the submerged mid-Atlantic ridge.

Earthquakes in these prominent seismic zones are taken for granted, but damaging shocks occur occasionally outside these areas.

HOW TO SURVIVE A DISASTER -TORNADOES

When disaster strikes who lives and who dies is not purely a matter of luck.
In every disaster, from those people face once in a lifetime, to those they face every day, there are things that can be done to increase the chances of getting out alive. 
In this series on disaster survival, we look at the ways we can survive various common disasters.

TORNADO-A SURVIVAL GUIDE

A tornado is a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. Because wind is invisible, it is hard to see a tornado unless it forms a condensation funnel made up of water droplets, dust and debris. 

Of all the destructive powers in our world, none resembles the ferocity and form of tornadoes. 

If you've ever watched a whirlpool form in your bathtub or sink while draining the water, then you've witnessed the fundamentals of a tornado at work.In a tornado, the same sort of thing happens except with air instead of water.

Tornadoes develop out of thunderstorms, where there's already a steady, upward flow of warm, low-pressure moist air that cools to form clouds.If the conditions are right, the updraft becomes strong enough to create a vortex like in a sink and eventually becomes a tornado.Some tornadoes consist of a single vortex, but other times multiple suction vortices revolve around a tornado's center. 

TORNADO FACTS 

Tornado winds may exceed 300 miles (480 kilometers) per hour.

Tornadoes can lift cars, mobile homes, and animals into the air.

Tornadoes are sometimes called "twisters."

The damage path of a tornado is usually less than 1,600 feet wide.

Most tornadoes move at less than 35 miles per hour.

Most tornadoes last only a few minutes.

A tornado over a body of water is called a "waterspout."

The United States has the highest number of tornado occurrences in the world with an average of 1,000 tornadoes reported each year.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A TORNADO

To identify a tornado, look for the following danger signs:

• Dark, often greenish sky
• Large hail
• A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
• Loud roar, similar to a freight train.

TIPS TO SURVIVE A TORNADO

Never try to outrun a tornado. You can however try to get out of its path by driving 90 degrees to the right or 90 degrees to the left, he said. The goal is to have the tornado in your rearview mirror.

Vehicles are extremely risky in a tornado. Get out of your vehicle and lie down flat in a ditch away from the vehicle. (Hiding below an underpass isn't safe).

If you are caught by extreme winds or flying debris, park the car quickly. Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat, or other cushion if possible.

In a building reach for a basement or the lowest floor available.Look for an inside hallway, or a small closet or bathroom (with no windows).The more walls between you and the outside, the better.

Even if you find a basement, don't stay in the open. Look for an inner, small, windowless room and get under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table or work bench or a stairwell), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag to protect yourself from flying debris. 

If you live in a tornado prone area, consider making a strong tornado shelter in your house.

AFTER A TORNADO...

• Wait for authorities to give the all-clear.
• Check for structural damage before going inside.
• If dark, use a flashlight – not matches, a candle or a lighter. An open flame can ignite leaking gas.
• Listen for reports to see when drinking water is safe.
• Don’t turn your power on until an electrician has inspected your system.

Next week, a look at survival tips on another disaster! Till then keep safe....

AMAZING MATING RITUALS OF BIRDS

The ultimate purpose of courtship is to attract a receptive mate, but there are actually several other purposes behind the courtship behavior of different bird species. 

The intricate moves of a courtship dance and the recognizable bird sounds and songs used to attract mates can help distinguish species so birds are sure to choose compatible mates. 

Different courtship behaviors also serve to reduce territorial aggression between birds, letting them relax together to form a pair bond. 

Depending on the type of behavior, how the birds react in courtship can also display strength, health and mating desirability, allowing different birds to choose the best partners and ensure viable offspring.

TYPES OF BIRD COURTSHIP BEHAVIOUR

There are several different types of courtship rituals that bird species can use for finding a mate. 

Singing: Singing is one of the most common ways birds can attract a mate. The intricacy of the song, or the variety of different songs one bird can produce, help to advertise its maturity and intelligence – desirable characteristics for a healthy mate.

Displays: Flamboyant plumage colors and elaborate displays of prominent feathers, skin sacs or body shape can show off how strong and healthy a bird is, advertising its suitability as a mate. 

Dancing: Physical movements, from daring dives to intricate sequences including wing flaps, head dips, or different steps can be part of a courtship ritual. In many species, the male alone will dance for his female, while in other species both partners will interact with one another. Dance mistakes show inexperience or hesitancy and would likely not lead to a successful mating.

Preening: Close contact between male and female birds can be part of the courtship rituals to help diffuse their normal spatial boundaries and aggression. The birds may lightly preen one another, sit with their bodies touching or otherwise lean on one another to show that they are not intending to harm their partner.

Feeding: Offering food is another common part of the bird courtship behavior for many species. Typically a male bird may bring a morsel to the female, demonstrating that he is able not only to find food, but that he can share it and is able to provide for her while she incubates eggs or tends the brood.

Building: Some birds seek to attract a mate by showing off their architectural skills. Constructing nests before the female arrives is a way for males to claim territory and show the suitable nesting areas they can defend. They may also decorate the nest with pebbles, moss, flowers or even litter to make it more eye-catching. 

Diving: Many birds make flying and diving displays to attract the females.The cock-tailed tyrant bird makes a steep vertical ascent flying up to impress the ladies. He is thought to be quite the clown.Peregrines do aerobatic flights above the area where the female bird is to impress them.   

 SOME AMAZING MATING RITUALS

Male frigatebirds have red kidney-shaped pouches on their chests that they inflate like balloons to attract girls. During mating season, the male sits on a nest and gyrates his puffed-up chest at the females flying overhead. When a female sees a male she likes, she lands beside him. However, copulation is often interrupted when other jealous males jump on the chosen partner and try to puncture his red balloon.

Ducks have a reputation for being monogamous, but the reality is more gruesome, as the females are often gang raped by the males. This behavior is so ingrained in ducks that the female's oviduct (vagina) has sacs and dead ends that can hold and expel unwanted sperm. Scientists theorize that she can unblock her oviduct if so inclined, meaning that she usually ends up with the desired drake's ducklings.

This mating ritual of the Emperor Penguin starts miles apart. The males and females walk 30 to 70 miles to inland Antarctica and meet at a breeding site. Then they stand in a crowd and the males “bugle” for the females, who recognize their mates’ voices. They take a waddle around the group, bow deeply to one another, nuzzle, and make loving noises before mating.

Grebes, a kind of water bird, perform a bird version of ballet before mating. They start out mimicking each other’s movements and then rise out of the water and run along its surface, flapping their short wings and tripping along in perfect unison. At the end, they dive under the water and come up with grass from the bottom as if to say, "Here is what we will use to make our nest."

White-Fronted Parrots kiss by putting their beaks together and touching each other’s tongues. Then the male vomits into the female’s mouth. To the female, this is a tasty treat that gets her in the mood.

So the next time you go birding, look out for the mating birds!

ARE WOMEN DIFFERENT FROM MEN?

WHO HAS A MORE SOPHISTICATED SENSE OF HUMOUR?

Women have a classier sense of humor than men. The researchers gave men and women humorous cartoons to look at while having their brains monitored with an MRI. Men showed a lot less activity in their brains than women. Men expected the cartons to be funny and started laughing sooner without much thought. Women evaluated the cartoons with much more thought; their brains showed that they experienced more delight with each cartoon. 

WHO'S FASTER?

Although men are faster than women, the time difference between men’s and women’s speed in the 100-meter run has been shrinking. If the time difference continues to shrink as it has been throughout the 1900s, by 2156, women will be faster than men, at least in the 100-meter run.

    WHO HARBORS MORE BACTERIA?

Each person carried an average of about 150 species of bacteria on their hands. However,women carried twice the number of bacteria species than men did, even though women wash their hands more often and are more sanitary. Scientists do not know the reason for the difference.

WHO LOVES THE MIRROR MORE?

A woman spends an average of 2 years of her life time looking at herself in the mirror; a man spends 6 months.However, men look at a reflection of themselves as often as womnen do; it is just that women take longer looks due to more necessary maintenance a woman has to do in front of a mirror.

WHO IS MORE EMPATHETIC?

Women are much more empathetic than men. Neuroscientists monitored on an MRI scan 16 women’s brain activities while the women received electric shocks. Their brains showed activities in both emotional and sensory regions. Later neuroscientists shocked the women’s romantic partners while the women watched. The women showed the same activities in their emotional region of the brain as when the women themselves were getting shocked, though no activity appeared in their sensory region.

WHO'S THE BOSS AT HOME?

A team of researchers studied the relationship of 72 couples and found that women, having stronger opinions regarding their home and family, tend to control household matters (housework, family times, family schedules, etc.). And husbands were the happiest if they did not disagree with these decisions regarding household matters. Husbands who had opinions about these issues were more likely to be involved in spousal arguments.

WHO DEALS WITH STRESS MORE EFFECTIVELY?

Women are generally more open to expressing their emotions and communicating with others to resolve various stressful situations whereas men seem to prefer to deal with things on their own.
Men have been known to take a 'fight or flight' approach to dealing with stress. Women, however, have been shown in studies to 'tend-and-befriend',that is,they have larger social support networks which seem to help with relieving stress and aid in the confrontation of the stress source.