Examine 3 strategies that Caribbean countries can use to minimize the impact of earthquakes in the region.

Earthquakes are the shaking of the earth caused by tectonic activity. As a result, there can be catastrophic outcomes due to an earthquake. However, with the use of Seismic Dampeners while constructing buildings; having full control to all underground pipelines in the countries within the region; and make it a requirement that all schools and work places have regular earthquake drills to educate persons on earthquakes; the impacts of earthquakes on the Caribbean region would be minimized. Firstly, Seismic Dampeners could help reduce the impact of an earthquake on a building. As a result of these dampeners installed into (foundation) beams of the building, it absorbs majority of the shock from the earthquake preventing it from travelling through the structure of the building; and as a result, makes the building capable of withstanding the earthquake. This method of impact minimization is used in countries like Japan; hence the reason they were able to withstand 9.0 magnitude earthquake in 2011 as compared to Haiti, which was devastated by a 7.0 earthquake in 2010. Though the depth of the Haiti earthquake was shallower, if their infrastructures had Seismic Dampeners, the outcome would have been a lot less devastating. Secondly, Caribbean countries must ensure that all gas and water pipe lines that are run underground have a master on/off switch that is easily accessible to the necessary authorities in the event of an earthquake. This is especially essential for the more developed Caribbean countries like Trinidad and Barbados where its highly industrialized. If there is a earthquake in one of the countries mentioned above and these underground pipelines arent switched off on time, with all the tectonic activity taking place; there would be a lot of friction and can cause a explosion and fire or even flooding (from water pipelines) which would impact negatively on the country from all spectrums (economically, socially...). Finally in order to effectively reduce the impacts of an earthquake, one must first understand what it is, how it happens and what to do in the event that it happens. Therefore, there should be regular earthquake drill carried out in school and workplaces. Furthermore, there should also be seminars where hosted by organizations to make the citizens aware of what an earthquake feels like and what they should and should not do. With this measure in place, there would be less injury due to earthquakes. To conclude, earthquakes occur naturally and one must be prepared and educated, in the event of an earthquake to minimize its impact. By using shock absorptions methods, making sure that all underground lines can be switched off when necessary and by educating the society on earthquakes; the impacts of an earthquake on the Caribbean can be greatly reduced.