Today (Friday, Feb 27, 202), at around 1:22 pm, Kolkata felt tremors. With a magnitude of 4.9, the shaking was strong enough for the ceiling fans to sway in our homes. Just then, I received an Android earthquake warning alert on my phone. Almost immediately, I could hear people rushing out of their buildings into the streets.
I stepped outside too — holding my daughter’s hand.
Within an hour, everything felt normal again. There were no immediate reports of major damage. But one question stayed with me:
Are our homes truly earthquake safe?
Maybe! But we need to be assured.
So here are 6 earthquake safety information checks for our buildings, especially high -rise apartments.
Table of Contents
Why Earthquake Safety Information Matters
- Children cannot react as quickly as adults during emergencies.
- Many families live in apartments where tremors feel stronger.
- Some residential buildings were constructed before the updated seismic codes.
- Social media spreads fear faster than facts.
- Cracks, unauthorised renovations, or poor maintenance increase risk.
- Many families are emotionally unprepared for sudden tremors.
- Crowded residential areas make evacuation chaotic.
But what does reliable earthquake safety information actually cover? It’s more than just knowing where to run; it’s about understanding the building’s overall structural health.
Is Kolkata in an Earthquake-Prone Zone?
Kolkata falls under Seismic Zone III of India’s seismic classification map. This means the city is considered to have a moderate earthquake risk. While it is not among the highest risk zones in the country, tremors from nearby seismic regions can still be felt here.
How to Check if Your Building Is Earthquake Safe
1 Know Your Building’s Age and Construction Type
Before looking for cracks or warning signs, start with the basics: When was the building constructed?
Year of Construction: Why It Matters
Buildings constructed before 2001 may not fully comply with updated seismic safety codes that were strengthened after major earthquakes in India.
Ask your society or builder:
- What year was the building completed?
- Was the building designed according to Indian seismic zone guidelines?
- Has it undergone a structural review after major tremors?
2 Visible Structural Warning Signs
Cracks
Read about the simplified guidelines for earthquake safety of buildings.
Not all cracks are dangerous. But you need to be alert if you see any:
- Diagonal cracks near doors and windows
- Cracks in beams or columns
- Expanding cracks over time
Slanting pillars
If pillars appear tilted or floors feel uneven, you can ask for an inspection.
Gaps between walls and ceilings
Separation gaps between the walls and ceilings may indicate structural shifting. This is a high-level caution call.
Water seepage weakening structure
Long-term water seepage corrodes steel reinforcements inside concrete. Over time, this silently weakens structural strength.
Water seepage doesn’t just weaken buildings—it can also invite mosquitoes to breed indoors. To check those hidden spots at home, read my guide on common mosquito breeding sites in your home.
3 Structural Stability Checks
A building can be considered structurally fit if it follows certain rules listed by the National Building Code (NBC) of India 2016.
Important: Get the latest structural audit or stability certificate issued by an engineer.
Following the NBC is the gold standard for earthquake safety information in India. If your builder cannot provide a stability certificate, that’s a red flag
4 Functional Emergency exists
In an earthquake, evacuation can become chaotic. Emergency exits must work flawlessly.
Ask this in your society meeting:
- Is there a weekly check to ensure all fire exit doors open easily with panic bars?
- Are the refuge areas (safety floors) completely clear of storage?
- Do stairwells have automatic emergency lighting?
Many buildings unintentionally block refuge areas with old furniture or storage boxes. In a real emergency, that delay can cost precious lives. A dark stairwell is terrifying for a child — and dangerous for everyone. Children freeze in fear in the darkness. Proper lighting saves time and prevents stampedes.
If your child also travels in extreme weather, it helps to be prepared for other risks like heat waves too. I’ve shared some heat wave safety tips for students during school travel here.
5 The “vulnerable-first” Emergency Plan
Earthquakes don’t wait for convenient timing.
What if tremors strike while:
- Your child is home with a nanny. Read about emotionally intelligent kids.
- Grandparents are alone
- You’re stuck in traffic
In that moment, building staff become the first line of defence.
You can ask the security staff to maintain a record of:
- The homes that have kids, the elderly and people with disabilities.
- At least two updated contact numbers of all the houses in the building/society.
- Help escort kids to safety if a parent is unavailable.
6 “No-Elevator” Earthquake Drill
Most societies do fire drills, but earthquake drills are rare.
According to NDMA, the correct response during shaking is:
Drop. Cover. Hold On.
Not immediately running.
Only after shaking stops do you evacuate — without using elevators.
Arrange a no-elevator earthquake drill in your building designed especially for children. This will ensure that kids know which staircase to use and the safe zones during an earthquake.
If you felt the tremor today, you can also report it to the National Center for Seismology. Click the reviewed button. Then click Did you feel it? The report will ask you some basic questions.
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Safe
Today’s tremors may have lasted only a few seconds. As parents, we cannot control when an earthquake will happen. What we can control is how prepared we are. Asking about structural audits, checking emergency exits, understanding building design, and reviewing municipal approvals are not overreactions — they are acts of responsible parenting.
Reliable earthquake safety information empowers us to replace panic with preparedness. It helps us move from “I hope we’re safe” to “I know we’ve checked.”
Your child may forget today’s tremor. But the safety measures you put in place because of it will quietly protect them every single day.
Does your building society conduct regular drills? Share your experiences in the comments.
Also, have a look at some of our articles:
Skills and abilities in toddlers
FAQs
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Is Kolkata in a high-risk earthquake zone?
Kolkata is classified under Seismic Zone III, which indicates a moderate risk.
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Where can I find official earthquake safety information?
You can find verified earthquake safety information and real-time updates from the National Center for Seismology (NCS). In case of a tremor, you can also report your experience on the NCS website to help scientists map the impact.
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Are high-rise buildings in Kolkata safe during an earthquake?
Most modern high-rises are designed to sway, which is a safety feature to absorb energy. However, safety depends on whether the building follows the National Building Code (NBC) 2016 and has a valid structural stability certificate. For older buildings, a professional structural audit is recommended to check for “soft storeys” or foundation issues.
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Can earthquakes be predicted?
No, as of now, there is no way we can predict an earthquake.
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What is the safest place during an earthquake?
The safest place during an earthquake is outdoors. You should not stand near any high-rise building, or try not take shelter under a heavy object.
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