Filenews 13 November 2025 - by Despina Psylou
The steps that citizens must follow before, during and after an earthquake are summarized in a comprehensive guide by Civil. Among other things, during the tremors, citizens should get under durable furniture, move away from large glass surfaces, stay away from buildings, rocks or coastal areas and places with cables. In any case, the recommendation is to stay calm!
On the occasion of the strong earthquake of 5,5 on the Richter scale that occurred yesterday morning as well as the at least eight aftershocks, the spokesman of the Civil Defense, Panagiotis Liasidis, told Filenews, that the national plan "Enceladus" was activated, which includes all the procedures that must be followed.
He underlined that there was no tsunami alert and no serious problems from the earthquake, apart from limited landslides.
Before the earthquake:
- 1. At home I keep in a backpack, near the exit, indicatively: radio, water, First Aid kit, flashlight with batteries, blankets, charger with solar panel, some money, whistle, dry food and baby food if there are children. I call it a survival backpack!
- 2. I firmly attach to the walls, furniture that may fall such as, for example, shop windows and bookcases.
- 3. Make sure that the fixtures, ceiling fans, frames on the walls are securely fixed.
- 4. I lower low heavy objects.
- 5. Remove household or other appliances from near doors that may move and block the exit.
- 6. I have a fire extinguisher (or even a fire blanket) within reach, I maintain it according to the instructions and I know how to use it.
- 7. I find a double cover of water in my space from which I could hide (under a table and until the vibration stops).
- 8 I always pay attention to where the escape exit will be when I am in a place (home, work, school, theater, cinema, shopping mall).
- 9. I choose a meeting point with my relatives, in an open and safe place. There we will meet in case of an earthquake!
- 10. I discuss with my relatives, or my colleagues, the ways of protection.
- 11. I cooperate in my workplace with the Civil Defense Officer, in order to be informed about it in evacuation and self-protection exercises.
- 12. If possible, learn First Aid lessons so that I can help, if needed.
At the time of the earthquake:
> > 1. Take refuge under a sturdy piece of furniture (e.g. table, desk, bed).
>> 2. If there is none, I kneel 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 cover myself.
>> 3. Move away from large glass surfaces (e.g., large windows), walls or furniture, and objects that may fall and injure me.
>> 4. I remain calm because I know that many victims are caused while everyone is trying to get out!
>> 5. If I am outdoors I live there, away from buildings, rocks or coastal and cable areas.
>> 6. If I'm in a car, I stop it carefully in an open area so as not to obstruct traffic and stay there.
>> 7. I move away from the shores to minimize the risk of any subsequent tsunami.
>> 8. I avoid going through tunnels, bridges or overpasses!
After the earthquake:
- I'm going down the stairs! Never from the elevator! I help others get out of the building. I grab the survival backpack as I leave.
- I avoid going out on a balcony.
- I turn off the electricity and gas switches.
- I do not light matches or a 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 put it out, with the appropriate kind of fire extinguisher.
- I go to the default and agreed secure meeting space, which is located away from buildings, large trees and telegraph or electric cables.
- I remember that after an earthquake it is possible to follow aftershocks, also catastrophic.
- I use my phone, landline or mobile, as little as possible, so as not to contribute to the collapse of the telephone network.
- I notify the authorities of building collapses and if there are any injured.
- I help the injured, if I know 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.
- I don't touch telegraph cables or objects touching them. Danger from electricity!
- If I am trapped somewhere, I try to give signs of life, so that the rescue teams can locate me. A whistle is the way to go!
- I don't use my car unnecessarily so that it doesn't hinder the work of the rescue teams.
- I faithfully follow the instructions of the Competent Services so as not to complicate 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 a first check.
