Update on the earthquake
So I've done some more research. The earthquake apparently started some 100 kilometers away from where I am (out in the ocean about 50 km from the east coast), where it reached a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale. By the time it reached me, it had diminished to somewhere around 3. That's right, a 3 was enough to cause creaking noises from the walls, knock down unsecured things outside, and make my bed go back and forth. Just imagine what a 4 (ten times as powerful!) would have done.
And I'm used to sleeping through trains as they go past my house, so if I'd been asleep and the building had started collapsing...
I've also spoken to a Taiwanese friend of mine, and found out that apparently, Taiwanese people generally don't start to worry about an earthquake until it's lasted more than 5 seconds. Also, apparently the first reaction after that is to open the door, so if the building shifts you don't get stuck. Then, if you have time or if the earthquake isn't really serious, you turn off the main gas for your building so that any sprung pipe joints won't cause a dangerous leak. After that, I think you're supposed to get outside.
After all: earthquakes don't kill people. Collapsing buildings kill people.
Well. Now that I'm done being serious...
Woo! Earthquake!
And I'm used to sleeping through trains as they go past my house, so if I'd been asleep and the building had started collapsing...
I've also spoken to a Taiwanese friend of mine, and found out that apparently, Taiwanese people generally don't start to worry about an earthquake until it's lasted more than 5 seconds. Also, apparently the first reaction after that is to open the door, so if the building shifts you don't get stuck. Then, if you have time or if the earthquake isn't really serious, you turn off the main gas for your building so that any sprung pipe joints won't cause a dangerous leak. After that, I think you're supposed to get outside.
After all: earthquakes don't kill people. Collapsing buildings kill people.
Well. Now that I'm done being serious...
Woo! Earthquake!