Catastrophic Mexico City Earthquakes

Specific purpose: inform my audience on the dangers of an earthquake and what to do in case of one.

Speech thesis: Due to the recent catastrophic events such as the Mexico City earthquakes, it is important to inform ourselves on what we can do in case of an earthquake.

Introduction:

On September 7, 2017 a earthquake with a magnitude of 8.1 was felt in Mexico city. Twelve days later, another major earthquake with magnitude of 7.1 hit Mexico, 75 miles southeast from Mexico's capitol near Puebla. A combined 300 people died from both incidents, including 21 children. Mexico City is no stranger to earthquakes, that is why they conduct drills, but not everyone is aware of such procedures. Due to the catastrophic events such as the Mexico City earthquakes, it is important to be informed on what to do in such scenarios.  According to the institute of Geophysics in the University of Texas Earthquakes do occur in Texas. They urge Texans to learn about earthquakes and their hazards. That is what I want to talk to you about today, Earthquakes and what to do in case of one.

Body:

1. According to Britannica encyclopedia an earthquake is the sudden and violent shaking of the ground, sometimes caused by the movement of the earth's crust.
2. Plates have uneven edges that move past one another and sometimes they stick to each other.
3. Plates are in constant movement and once they are forced apart, they release energy in the form of seismic waves than be felt kilometer away from the epicenter.
4. FEMA gives different recommendations on what to do in case of an earthquake.
5. Drop , cover, and Hold on
6. Drop to you hands and knew
7. Cover your head and neck with your arms

iii.        Hold on to sturdy furniture

1. If you are in a vehicle
2. Stop vehicle
3. Stay away from areas surrounded by trees, utility wires, and damaged buildings
4. Do not run outside unless you have to.
5. Be aware of falling debris
6. If building is about to collapse, quickly exit building.
7. After earthquake, aftershocks
8. Be aware of aftershocks
9. Smaller earthquakes that happen after the main earthquake
10. Be aware of tsunamis
11. If you live near a large body of water such a beach, move to higher ground.

Conclusion:

Practice the procedures indicated by FEMA. If you are traveling, it is important to do the research before going, to keep important information such as emergency information available, to have an emergency kit ready with items such as medicine, food, and water for at least a few days. In summary, be prepared, be informed, and be safe.

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