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Earthquakes are a common phenomenon on Earth and on several other planets as well, in which tectonic plates of the planet change their position because of the molten lava underneath. This usually happens at a slower rate, but sometimes the frequency of earthquakes can be on the higher side because of which several things on the surface of the planet also get destroyed.

Sometimes earthquakes are also accompanied by Tsunami which usually happens if an earthquake has come under the sea body.

Every year earthquakes kill several thousands of people around the world and it becomes really impossible to predict where the next earthquake may come. Therefore, one should always be ready to deal with situations like these by preparing and hoarding items that one can use during such emergencies.

Another reason to prepare beforehand is that earthquakes unlike any other natural disaster like Tsunami or Tornado can hit any place and are not geographically dependent. You may have heard that floods or Tsunamis are more frequent in coastal areas, but earthquakes can come from any place in the world.

So it is always better to be ready and prepared to deal with earthquakes rather than be sorry at the time of the situation.

Understand Earthquakes
Before delving into survival strategies, it is crucial to understand what earthquakes are and how they occur. Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, leading to seismic waves that can shake the ground. They can vary in intensity and duration, and their effects can range from mild shaking to catastrophic destruction.

How to prepare beforehand to deal with an earthquake?
Being prepared ahead of time can make a significant difference in how well you cope with an earthquake. Here are some steps to take before an earthquake occurs:

1. Create an emergency plan:
   Develop a family emergency and evacuation plan that includes designated meeting spots, contact information for family members and close friends, and an evacuation route from your home.
    
2. Assemble an emergency kit:
   Put together a well-prepared emergency kit with essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a multi-tool, blankets, and any necessary medication. Ensure to have some painkillers included in your emergency kit.
    
3. Secure your home well in advance:
   Conduct a home safety survey with the help of some good engineers and secure heavy furniture, appliances, and valuable items to prevent them from falling during shaking.
    
4. Educate yourself, because you may not get much time during an earthquake:
   Understand the earthquake risks in your area. Research local building codes and construction methods to determine the level of earthquake resistance in your region especially in your building construction.

What to do during an earthquake?
When an earthquake strikes, your immediate actions can determine your safety. I still remember, when we were at home studying, and an earthquake came, At that time we didn't know what to do so we as per our knowledge stuck with a wall and started praying, but it is always to have a plan during earthquakes and act accordingly.

1. Stay Calm:
   Panic can cloud your judgment. Several people start shouting and crying during an earthquake, but you should not do that. Stay as calm as possible and reassure those around you because they should not act instinctively in this moment. Rather they should follow and act according to the plan already made.
    
2. Move outside of the building towards an open ground:
   It is always better to move outside slowly toward open ground away from any higher objects that can fall. You should be away from any building and electrical poles that can fall during an earthquake because the shaking is really fast and it becomes really difficult to dodge yourself.
    
3. Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you cant leave home:
   If you are indoors, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture (such as a table or a desk), and hold on until the shaking stops. This position protects you from falling debris and provides a safer space. If you are indoors, stay there and don't run, because running outside during an earthquake can expose you to falling debris and glass.
    
4. Stay away from windows and exterior walls:
   Glass windows can shatter, and exterior walls are more prone to collapsing. Move away from these areas.
    
5. If driving, pull over safely:
   If you are driving, pull over to a safe area away from buildings, trees, and overpasses. Stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops. Don't try to drive anything during an earthquake as you may end up in some trouble because several cars and busses lose their control during this time.

What to do after the earthquake?
Once the earthquake stops, the danger might not be over, as there are some accompanying tremors with the actual earthquake as well. Here is what to do in the aftermath:

1. Check yourself and others:
   Check yourself and those around you for injuries. Provide first aid as needed and seek medical attention for serious injuries. 
    
2. Assess your surroundings:
   Be cautious of potential hazards like gas leaks, fires, and structural damage. If you smell gas, turn off the gas supply and leave the building.
    
3. Listen to authorities:
   Tune in to local news, radio, or emergency services for updates and instructions. Several regions even have a Disaster Response Team that can help you in evacuation from affected areas after an earthquake has hit your region.
    
4. Avoid unnecessary travel:
   Roads and infrastructure might be damaged. Only travel if necessary and if it is safe to do so. Therefore, always have a radio in your emergency kit as well to be well-informed about the happenings around you.

How to have a long-term preparation plan for earthquakes?

In the aftermath of an earthquake, recovery and rebuilding efforts can take time. Here's how to stay prepared for the long term:

1. Reassess Your Emergency Plan:
   Review and update your family emergency plan based on lessons learned from the earthquake. This is because no emergency plan can be fool proof and it is always a work in progress. Just ensure that you remove the mistakes that you might have made in the previous emergency plan and make it more robust.
    
2. Restock Your Emergency Kit:
   Replace any used or expired items in your emergency kit. Emergency supplies should be restocked immediately and also ensure that you keep on using them because most of the time people just keep a stock of emergency supplies and forget to replenish them because of which most of the items become expired and unusable. Therefore always have a habit to keep on checking the expiry dates on your emergency kit and updating it.
   
   I usually take out some stock constantly and refill it immediately so as to ensure that it is always stocked for some emergency and also that it is safe to use if any emergency occurs.
    
3. Strengthen Your Home:
   Consider making structural improvements to your home to increase its earthquake resistance. Consulting a good engineer should be your priority to ensure that your home becomes much safer and prepared for some other earthquake.
    
4. Participate in Community Preparedness:
   Get involved in community efforts to prepare for and respond to earthquakes. This could involve volunteering or participating in drills and training exercises. If there is no community initiative then take initiative yourself so as to make people aware of their responsibilities as a community member to learn emergency and evacuation plan.

Surviving an earthquake requires a combination of knowledge, preparation, and quick thinking. By understanding the nature of earthquakes, being prepared with emergency plans and supplies, and knowing how to respond during and after the shaking, you can significantly increase your chances of staying safe and protecting your loved ones. Remember, staying calm and following well-established guidelines can make all the difference in an emergency situation.