What to Do in Your Alaska Winter Car Rentals During an Earthquake

With the number of earthquakes in recent years, we decided it might be best to help out our Alaska winter car rentals clients. If you don’t come from a place that is earthquake-prone, the thought of tremors can be nerve-wracking. However, not all earthquakes cause damage and those that do, don’t have to be fatal. In fact, some quakes are quite small. You may not even feel them!

But in the event of a larger quake, it is important to know what to do. Have an action plan, and make sure everyone you’re traveling with knows about it. Whether you’re out and about in your Alaska winter car rentals or just having a relaxing night in, here’s how to behave during an earthquake.

When driving your Alaska winter car rentals

It’s not uncommon for motorists to miss earthquakes. They’re often so subtle that the movement of the vehicle disguises it.

However, if you do feel an earthquake while driving, the first thing you need to do is stop the vehicle. Pull over into a safe area as fast as possible – this may even just be the side of the highway.

It’s important to remember to watch for power lines, bridges, and any other structures that could potentially fall in a quake. Avoid parking near these. If possible, a wide open space is best.

Finally, stay in your Alaska winter car rentals. Don’t get out of the car during the quake for any reason. Turn on the radio to wait for updates on the quake. And when the quake is finally finished, make sure to be careful of aftershocks – you may even want to wait 10 minutes before driving off again.

If in the great outdoors

If you’re out and about on foot when an earthquake strikes, the action plan is much similar to that of driving. Stay still, and avoid being close to any structures that could fall or collapse. This includes buildings and trees, as well. Remember that being near a building is your most dangerous spot, even in the exits. So stay in the open and wait until the quake is over.

If indoors

If you’re inside when the earthquake strikes, there are a few things you can do to make sure you and your family stay safe. While most people have heard the old tale about staying in doorways, this isn’t necessarily true anymore. For older houses, perhaps it may still be your best bet. But newer houses are built stronger than they used to be, and the rest of the house is often just as safe as a doorway.

What to avoid: lighting fixtures, furniture that could fall, glass, windows, outside doors, walls, and elevators. Never use an elevator in an earthquake.

If you’re already in bed, it’s best to stay there unless there’s a heavy lighting fixture overhead that could drop. Otherwise, stay in bed, and keep a pillow over your head for protection.

If you’re not in bed, take cover under a sturdy table, desk, or other furniture that is unlikely to collapse. This will keep you safe from falling debris. Stay in your safe spot until the quake finishes.

If you don’t have a sturdy piece of furniture nearby, then your next safe spot is an inside corner. Crouch in here and cover your head.

Remember that it’s always best to stay still during a quake. Don’t move about unless absolutely necessary and always protect your head. Be prepared for aftershocks.

Finally, make sure to clean up any chemicals or hazardous materials that may have spilled during the quake. It’s good to do a once over in the building following a quake.

For safe, reliable vehicles that can transport you through the state without a care, reserve your Alaska winter car rentals from Avis today.