Surviving a quake in the capital(2)

Beijing has the finest and most comprehensive earthquake watching system in the country, said Zhang.

"But the warning system has its limitations and blind spots. It doesn't mean that people can sleep without any worries," he noted.

Hide, or run, for your life

There is a lifesaving window of time called the "Golden 12 seconds," during which people who have prepared can make quick decisions to save their lives. Yang said a real-time warning or the first rattles can alert people and allow them a short opportunity to run for cover.

Another rule is called the "Life Triangle." "Hide at the corner of a structure or next to a stable wall. Some space might be left, although sometimes not. Many survivors found during the rescue were hiding like that," said Yang.

Zhang strongly advises people who live in bungalows to run outside to the open space if they can, and those who live in high-rise buildings not to jump out of windows or take the stairs.

A microblog post about the "best roommate in China" recently drew a lot of attention, claiming that a student ran out of his dorm with six laptops, three cameras and the dorm's pet turtle during the Ya'an earthquake. But Zhang says when you run, there is no time to collect and take all your valuables.

Shenyang Evening News reported last month that three girls gulped half a kilogram of garlic to make their breath stink so that they would be easily found by rescue dogs if an earthquake should happen. But the most effective way to call for help is knocking small rocks together or blowing a whistle.

Learn some medical knowledge

Wang Lixiang, director of the Emergency Medical Center of the General Hospital of Armed Police Forces, has lead earthquake rescue teams many times.

"If you are trapped, the most important thing to do is sustain your life while waiting for the rescue team," said Wang. "Having some chocolates, biscuits, water purifier tablets, oral rehydration salts and other supplies is very important."

And if you are trapped and hurt, there are a few lifesaving rules you should know. For example, hold your feet higher if you lose blood, so that the remaining blood will flow to the more important body parts, including the brain and the heart, said Wang.

A rumor circulating online says that potato slices can heal wounds and soothe bruises. But Wang said it was just a rumor, and pressing potato onto a wound will only make bacteria multiply.

If a sharp piece of metal pierces a person's chest, don't pull it out, since this can cause major blood loss.

Find the shelters

Most of the so-called shelters in Beijing are large parks with emergency water and electricity supplies, camping areas, and other necessary facilities.

The bureau strongly advises Beijingers to learn about the nearest shelters in their neighborhoods. Besides the major shelters, there are also schools and big courtyards registered as shelters where supplies can arrive in time.

Pack an emergency kit

Having an emergency kit is strongly advised. If you search "earthquake emergency kit" on taobao.com, China's largest online dealer, you'll find hundreds of items. The top seller has sold more than 200 kits in last month.

But if you are a do-it-yourself kind of person, you can pack up an emergency bag yourself with these key items:

Bottled water

Food, at least a three-day supply

A whistle, a mask, a radio, a flashlight, and batteries

Medicine

Bandages and scissors

Water purification pills

Cash and photocopies of identity cards in a waterproof bag

A lighter or matches, candles

Ropes

Blankets, towels

Put this bag in an accessible place, and if anything happens, just grab it as you run for your life.