By The Survivors Club Staff
March 9, 2010

A rare and inspiring story has been reported from Chile where the Desarmes family survived the earthquake on February 27, after having sought refuge in the South American nation in the wake of a similar disaster that had struck their native Haiti in January, according to media reports.

"In Haiti, they got me out from under the ruins of a house, and I felt lucky to have survived," the man told BBC, quoted by the news provider.

And although happy that his family was unharmed in both calamities, Desarmes was still shaken by the experience.

"To come to Chile and go through the same situation, you can't imagine how I felt," he confessed.

Although not as seismically active as South or Central America, the U.S. can also suffer from earthquakes, which have killed approximately 4,000 Americans since 1811, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

For those living in quake-prone zones, the Center for Earthquake Research and Information at the University of Memphis recommends anchoring heavy objects, such as bookcases, mirrors or cabinets, to walls.

They should never be placed over beds and should be kept lower than head height of the shortest member of family.

When a tremor begins, it is best to crouch under a desk or table, or stand in a stout doorway, away from windows. Those who are caught outdoors should stay away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines. If on the road, it is important to drive away from underpasses and overpasses, stop in a safe area and stay inside the vehicle.

Those who would like to support victims of the Haiti quake can donate to the Red Cross or UNICEF.