1.2.25

Protecting & Planning

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Protecting and Planning

Protection and planning are two more ways to reduce the potential impact of tectonic hazards.

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Protection in high income countries

  • Protection is usually better for reducing the impact of tectonic hazards in high-income countries.
  • High-income countries often invest in earthquake-proof buildings. Using cross-bracing, automatic window shutters, fire-resistant materials, and shock absorbers can help reduce damage.
    • E.g. the Taipei 101 building has a huge mass damper that reduces the strain on the building.
  • Automatic switches can turn off electricity and gas pipes to help reduce the chance of fires.
  • Earthquake drills can help to reduce the damage done.
    • E.g. Japan has an earthquake day on the 1st September.
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Protection in low income countries

  • Low-income countries often use cheaper ways to protect buildings.
  • Lighter roof materials (sheet metal instead of concrete) and bamboo rods in walls (instead of steel) can help to hold walls together and reduce the damage caused if they collapse.
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Planning

  • High-income countries often have warning systems and evacuation plans in place.
  • Japan had a brand new tsunami/earthquake warning system in place for the 2011 earthquake. The Japanese authorities have a system where they take control of all media and give people instructions to evacuate.
  • Paramedics, police, and firefighters all receive training for dealing with earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
  • Governments can stockpile supplies like tents, food, and water.
  • Teaching people about evacuation plans can also help in a disaster. New Zealand has a 'Turtle Safe' drill to teach preschool children.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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