On January 2, 2025, 4.8-magnitude and 4.6-magnitude earthquakes occurred successively in Yongning County and Jinfeng District of Yinchuan City. This earthquake not only made us feel the power of nature, but also sounded the alarm for us to pay attention to earthquake prevention.
Impact of the earthquake
1. Damage to residential safety
The exterior walls of some old residential buildings fell off, heating pipes broke, water accumulated in the corridors, decorations in residents’ homes were broken, the wall skin cracked and fell off, and the cracks were serious. These problems directly threaten the daily safety of residents and make people lose their basic sense of security in their own homes.
2. Travel restrictions
In order to ensure safety, the railway department blocked the section for inspection, and the train was delayed, which disrupted people’s travel plans and brought great inconvenience to travel. Many people’s itineraries were forced to change, and the uncertainty of travel increased, which brought many troubles to work and life.
3. The order of life was disturbed
Many people were afraid to go home because of the fear of aftershocks. Private cars drove to open areas to spend the night. Citizens stayed overnight in hotels or shops, and some shops were closed. The normal rhythm of life was disrupted, people’s psychology was also under great pressure, and the life order of the entire city fell into a brief chaos.
Signs before the earthquake
1. Abnormal behavior of animals
Large livestock such as cattle and horses do not eat and dig the ground, pigs and sheep do not enter the pen and escape, dogs bark and scratch the ground, cats panic, chickens climb trees, ducks and geese do not go into the water, snakes come out of the hole, mice flee, frogs migrate, fish swim wildly and jump out of the water, and toads come out of the hole. The abnormal behavior of these animals may be a signal that they have sensed the coming earthquake.
2. Abnormal changes in groundwater
The water level of well water and spring water rises or falls suddenly, the water quality changes color, tastes, becomes turbid, bubbles, and turns over, and the water temperature rises or falls abnormally. These changes in groundwater may be related to crustal movement and are potential signs of earthquakes.
3. Abnormal weather
Abnormal climate, such as long drought or continuous rain, abnormal heat, yellow fog, sudden strong wind, dim sunlight, etc., special astronomical phenomena such as floating clouds in the shape of rays (not fully confirmed). Abnormal changes in weather may indicate changes in the crust.
4. Abnormal ground sound and ground light
Ground sounds such as cannons, thunder, and heavy vehicle driving. Ground lights have various colors such as silver-blue, white-purple, and various forms such as bands and balls. They usually appear within a few hours to a few minutes before the earthquake. The appearance of ground sound and ground light is a strong signal that an earthquake is about to occur.
5. Electromagnetic anomalies
Abnormal household appliances on the eve of an earthquake, such as TV and radio failures, lights that cannot be turned off or suddenly light up, and abnormal operation of motor equipment. Electromagnetic anomalies may be due to the movement of the earth’s crust affecting the electromagnetic field.
Self-protection methods during earthquakes
Indoors
1. Preparation before the earthquake: fix furniture, place fragile items, clean up debris to keep passages unobstructed, and properly place flammable, explosive and toxic items.
2. Avoid danger during earthquakes: Make calm judgments and choose safe places such as the base of load-bearing walls and corners to avoid. Squat or sit down, protect vital parts, and cover your mouth and nose with a wet towel.
3. Evacuate after the earthquake: Evacuate to a safe area quickly and orderly, avoid dangerous areas, and do not take elevators in high-rise buildings.
Outdoors
1. Stay away from dangerous objects: Choose an open area to squat or lie down, avoid tall buildings, dangerous objects, and narrow streets.
2. Pay attention to the surrounding environment: Prevent geological disasters in mountainous areas, run in the direction of vertical rolling stones or hide under obstacles to protect your head.
3. Avoid approaching the coastline: Move to a higher place at the seaside to prevent tsunamis.
Public places
1. Obey the command: Don’t panic, obey the arrangements of the staff, and avoid crowding and trampling.
2. Choose a safe place to hide: According to the characteristics of different places, avoid dangerous objects such as hanging objects, glass doors and windows, and find safe places such as pillars and corners.
In the car
1. Safe parking: slow down and stop by the roadside, avoid intersections.
2. Correct hiding: lie down next to the car, close the windows, do not lock the doors, and leave the keys in the car.
The Yinchuan earthquake made us see the impact of disasters and the importance of earthquake prevention. As a manufacturer of protective equipment, Super Pangolin has been committed to becoming the most reliable protection partner around you. In the future, Super Pangolin will continue to improve its performance, customize solutions for different disasters, and work with you to resist various risks and protect life and property safety.
