WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

 Filenews 4 September 2024

Instructions for the protection of citizens from an earthquake are given by the Civil Defence. These are useful tips that are good to know and simple measures to protect ourselves and those around us.

The brochure gives simple tips and instructions on what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

BEFORE THE EARTHQUAKE

• At home I keep in a backpack, near the exit, indicatively: radio, water, First Aid kit, lantern with batteries, blanket, charger with sun collector, some money, whistle, dry food and baby food if there are children. I call it a survival backpack!
• I fasten firmly to the walls, furniture that may fall such as, for example, windows and bookcases.
• I make sure that the lamps, ceiling fans, frames on the walls are securely fixed.
• I lower heavy objects.
• Remove household or other appliances from near doors that may move and block the exit.
• I have a fire extinguisher (or fire blanket) in an accessible place, I maintain it according to the instructions and I know how to use it.
• I locate in my space a strong piece of furniture under which I will shelter as soon as I feel the earthquake and until the vibration stops.
• I plan what the escape exit will be when the vibration stops and check it for obstructions.
• I choose a safe meeting place with my relatives or colleagues, accordingly. That's where we will meet, if we get lost in each other!
• I discuss protection measures with my relatives or colleagues at work.
• I work at my workplace with my safety and health officer, where available, and participate in evacuation drills that take place at least once a year.
• If possible, I take First Aid classes so that I can help if needed.

AT THE TIME OF THE EARTHQUAKE

• I shelter under some sturdy furniture (e.g. table, desk, bed).
• If there is none, I kneel down reducing my height as much as possible and protect my head and neck with my hands. If I have a bag or briefcase with me, I am covered.
• I move away from large glass surfaces (e.g. large windows), walls, or furniture and objects that may fall and injure me.
• I remain calm because I know that many victims are caused while they all try to get out!
• If I'm outdoors I live there, away from buildings, rocks or stakes and service cables.
• If I am in a car, I stop it carefully in an open area so that it does not obstruct traffic and I stay there.
• I am moving away from the coast for the possibility of a tsunami following.
• I avoid going through tunnels, bridges or overpasses!

AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

• I go down the stairs! Never from the elevator! I help others get out of the building. I grab my survival backpack as well.
• I avoid going out on a balcony.
• I turn off the electricity and gas switches.
• I do not light matches or lighter to avoid the risk of ignition from leaked LPG.
• If there is a smell of gas, I open doors and windows.
• If a fire starts somewhere, if I can, I extinguish it with the right kind of fire extinguisher.
• I go to the default and agreed safe meeting place, which is away from buildings, big trees and telephone or electrical wires.
• I remember that after an earthquake it is possible to follow aftershocks, also catastrophic.
• I use my phone, landline or mobile, as little as I can, so as not to contribute to the collapse of the telephone network.
• I notify the authorities about building collapses and if there are any injured.
• I help the injured if I know of First Aid, or find someone to help them.
• If there are seriously injured people, I do not move them until help arrives, unless their lives are in immediate danger from e.g. a crumbling wall.
• I do not touch power lines or objects that touch them. I am at risk of electric shock!
• If I am trapped somewhere, I try to give signs of life so that the rescue teams can locate me. A whistle is the perfect way!
• I do not use my car unnecessarily so as not to hinder the work of the rescue crews.
• I strictly follow the instructions of the Competent Services so as not to hinder their work.
• I follow the media and pay attention to the instructions to the population.
• I avoid entering my house, especially if there is damage, until I have permission from the Competent Services who will do an initial autopsy.

Some tips on how to react in case of a tsunami

Although most earthquakes, especially in Cyprus, do not cause tsunamis, it is advisable to stay alert. Especially if you are in a seaside area with low altitude.

Observe if there is a significant rise or fall in water level, which is a natural warning. Move away from the sea and head to higher altitude inland areas. A small tsunami at one point on the coast can turn into a large tsunami, miles away.

Stay away from the coast. The tsunami does not consist of just one 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.