RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SELF-PROTECTION MEASURES IN THE EVENT OF AN EARTHQUAKE

 Filenews 6 February 2023

Recommendations to the public aimed at taking measures for safety and self-protection from earthquakes are made by the Civil Defence Force.

PREVENTION

At home / office / school:

• Fasten tightly to the walls shelves and bookcases.
• Remove from the doors tall furniture that can be moved and clog any escape exits.
• Place large and heavy items lower on the shelves, and everything else can fall and break.
• Remove heavy objects over beds and sofas.
• Highlight as of now what are the safest places in your home, school, workplace or workplace to resort to them in the event of an earthquake:
  • under sturdy tables, desks or desks
  • away from glass surfaces and bookcases
  • away from exterior walls

• Fix the water heater and fuel and water tanks well.
• Fasten the fixtures and ceiling fans well.
• Check the correct operation of the power and gas supply network.
• Tell your family members/office staff about how the general electricity, water and gas switches are turned off and about the emergency phone, 112.
• Get a portable battery radio and a first aid kit.
• Place a fire extinguisher in an accessible place and practice using it.

If you are outside the home / office / school:

• Choose a safe meeting place after the earthquake that is located:
  • away from buildings and trees
  • away from telephone and electrical wires;

THE TIME OF THE EARTHQUAKE

If you are inside the house:

• Keep your cool. Don't panic.
• Cover yourself under a sturdy piece of furniture (table, desk or desk), kneel down and hold their leg with your hands.
• If there is no durable piece of furniture, kneel in the middle of the room, reducing your height as much as possible 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 move away from home.
• Do not go out on the balcony.

If you are in a tall building:

• Move away from glazing and exterior walls.
• Stay in the space until the vibration ends.
• Do not use the elevator for escape. There is a risk of falling or being trapped in it, due to interruption of electricity or distortion to its drivers.
• Do not stand on open windows, balconies or on the edges of terraces. From vibration you may fall into the void.

If you're in an entertainment venue, mall, or large store:

• Stay in the space until the vibration ends.
• Do not get carried away by the panicked crowd that moves disorderly towards the exits, because you risk being trampled.

If you're in an open space:

• Avoid standing near buildings, rocks, electric 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 can be created at high speed and height that will sweep the coast.

If you are in the car:

• Park as quickly and carefully as you can in an area that does not obstruct traffic, away from high-rise buildings, piles or rocks.
• Avoid going through tunnels, bridges or overpasses.

AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

If you are inside the house:

• Prepare for any aftershocks
• Carefully check yourself and those around you for possible injuries.
• Immediately help children, but also disabled, helpless, sick or elderly people to protect themselves.
• If you are trapped or trapped somewhere from where you cannot escape, try your best to provide signs of life so that the rescue teams can locate you.
• If a fire has broken out somewhere, extinguish it before it takes shape.
• Avoid entering your home if you see breakdowns, cut cables, LPG or gas leakage.
• Do not touch power lines and objects resting on wires. You are at risk of electric shock.
• Do not try to move seriously injured unless their life is in immediate danger.
• Do not enter damaged buildings until the relevant authorities have assured you that they are safe.
• Evacuate the building from the stairwell (do not use the elevator), after first turning off the switches of electricity, gas and water.
• Use your landline or mobile phone only in exceptional cases, because it causes overloading of the telephone networks, which prevents the smooth coordination of the actions of the Response Services that are tasked with dealing with the consequences of the earthquake.
• Respond to calls for help, but don't go around unnecessarily so that rescue crews can move around unhindered.
• Take refuge in an open and safe space.
• Follow the instructions of the authorities and do not pay attention to rumours.

HOW TO REACT TO AN UPCOMING GRAVITY WAVE (TSUNAMI)

If you are in a seaside area with low altitude

• While not all earthquakes cause tsunamis, stay alert.
• Observe if there is a significant increase or fall in the water level, which is a natural warning.
• Move away from the sea and head to inland areas with higher altitudes. A tsunami of small size at one point on the coast can turn into a large tsunami, at a distance of kilometres.
• Stay away from the shore. The tsunami does not consist only of a single wave but of a series of waves so return only after being informed by the competent authorities that there is no danger.
• Do not approach the coast to watch an upcoming tsunami. When you see it it may be too late to avoid it.