Filenews 27 April 2022
Recommendations to the public for taking measures of self-protection and safety from the earthquake, announced the Civil Defence, after last night's earthquake of 4.7 degrees Richter near the city of Paphos.
Specifically:
BEFORE THE EARTHQUAKE
At home/office/school:
- Fix the shelves and bookcases firmly on the walls.
- Do not place refrigerators and high furniture in places from which it is possible to move and clog any escape exits.
- Place large and heavy objects in low positions and those that can easily fall or break.
- Remove heavy objects over beds and sofas.
- Secure the fixtures and ceiling fans well.
- Highlight now what are the safest places at home, at school, in your workplace or workplace to resort to them in the event of an earthquake:
- under durable tables, desks or desks
- away from glass surfaces and libraries
- away from external walls;
- Check the correct operation of the power and gas supply network.
- Inform your family members/office staff about how general power, water and gas switches are being turned off.
- Get a first aid kit.
- Instal an affordable fire extinguisher and practice its use.
THE TIME OF THE EARTHQUAKE
If you are inside the house:
- Keep your cool. Don't panic.
- Seek refuge under a durable piece of furniture (table, desk or desk).
- If there is no durable piece of furniture, kneel in the middle of the room, reducing, as much as possible, your height and protect your head and neck with your hands.
- Move away from large glass surfaces (windows, glass partitions) or furniture and objects that may injure you.
- Do not try to leave the house.
- Do not go out on the balcony.
If you are in a tall building:
- Move away from glazing and exterior walls.
- Do not use the elevator for escape. There is a risk of falling or trapping you in it, due to interruption of electricity or distortion in its drivers.
- Do not stand on open windows, balconies or on the edges of rooftops. From the vibration you may fall into the void.
If you are in an entertainment area, shopping mall or large store:
- Stay in space until the vibration is over.
- Don't get carried away by the panicked crowd that moves towards the exits, because you risk being trampled underfoot.
If you are in an open space:
- Avoid standing near buildings, rocks, electrical piles or objects that may fall and injure you.
- If you have a bag or briefcase with you, cover your head with them.
- Move away from the shores. After a strong earthquake, waves with high speed and height can be created that will sweep the coasts.
If you are in the car:
- Park as quickly and carefully as you can away from high-rise buildings, piles or rocks.
- Avoid going through tunnels, bridges or above-ground crossings.
AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE
- Directly help children, but also disabled, helpless, sick or elderly people to protect themselves.
- If a fire has broken out somewhere, extinguish it before it reaches dimensions.
- Do not touch power lines and objects resting on wires. You are at risk of electric shock.
- If you are trapped or trapped somewhere from where you cannot escape, try in every way to give signs of life so that the rescue teams can locate you.
- Do not try to move anyone seriously injured unless his life is in immediate danger.
- Do not enter damaged buildings until the competent authorities assure you that they are safe.
- Do not use the phone without good reason. The blocking of the lines prevents the coordination of the actions of the Services that are responsible and the mission of the task of dealing with the effects of the earthquake.
- Respond to the calls for help, but do not circulate unnecessarily so that the rescue crews circulate unhindered.
