The recent earthquake that shook the British Virgin Islands has shown that many are still unaware of what to do during an earthquake.

Many people reacted by running out of buildings when the recent earthquake shook the BVI last week.

This is something that one should not do during a quake and therefore shows the lack of awareness among many people as it regards what one should or should not do during an earthquake.

Information is available on the Department of Disaster Management website (www.bviddm.com), but what must be noted is that the recent focus was mostly on hurricanes.

However, with the recent quake, it shows that the BVI need to be as alert and prepared for hurricanes as it should for other natural disasters including earthquakes.

The BVI is not the only territory that seems not fully prepared for quakes as other islands also recorded injuries when persons tried to stumble out of buildings during the quake.

One of the important pointers to know during a earthquake is not to scramble for an exit, since stairwells may be broken or jammed with people and never use an elevator.

Acting Director of Diaster Management Zebalon McClean pointed out in a government release that many persons panicked and ran outside when the quake struck the BVI, rather than following the practice that is preached, to stand under doorways or take cover under heavy desk or tables.

 Every earthquake strikes without warning, by being prepared you can lessen the hazards of an earthquake. Teaching your family exactly what to do and what not to do can help them come through the disaster safely.

With the 2007 Hurricane Season behind us, it does not mean that natural disasters are all together behind us. With tropical disturbance 73 approaching the BVI, it shows that we still need to monitor the weather conditions and by extension be prepared at all times.

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