The Civil Defence Force makes the following recommendations to the public in order to take self-protection and safety measures against earthquakes.
Precautionary measures
At home / office / school:
- Fix shelves and bookcases firmly to the walls.
- Move tall furniture away from doors which may move and block possible escape routes.
- Place large and heavy objects and anything else that may fall and break lower on the shelves.
- Remove heavy objects from above beds and sofas.
- Point out now which are the safest places in your home, school, workplace or place of employment to take refuge in case of an earthquake:
- under sturdy tables, desks or desks - away from glass surfaces and bookcases - away from outside walls
- Secure your water heater and fuel and water tanks securely.
- Fasten fixtures and ceiling fans securely.
- Check the correct operation of the electricity and gas supply network.
- Tell your family members/office staff how to turn off the general power, water and gas switches and the emergency telephone number, 112.
- Provide yourself with a portable radio with batteries and a first aid kit.
- Place a fire extinguisher in an accessible place and practice using it.
If you are outside your 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
At the time of the earthquake
If you are inside the house:
- Keep your cool. Do not panic.
- Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture (table, desk or table), kneel down and hold his leg with your hands.
- If there is no sturdy 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 could injure you.
- Do not try to move away from the house.
- Do not go out onto the balcony.
If you are in a tall building:
- Move away from windows and outside walls.
- Stay in the space until the vibration stops.
- Do not use the elevator for escape. There is a risk of falling or becoming trapped in it due to a power failure or distortion in the guides.
- Do not stand on open windows, balconies or the edges of roofs. The vibration may cause you to fall into a vacuum.
If you are in an entertainment area, shopping mall or large store:
- Stay in the area until the vibration stops.
- Do not get carried away by the panicked crowd moving disorderly towards the exits, as you risk being trampled.
If you are in an open area:
- Avoid standing near buildings, rocks, electric poles or objects that could fall and injure you.
- If you carry a bag or briefcase, cover your head with it.
- Keep away from the coast. After a strong earthquake, waves of great speed and height may be generated and sweep the shore.
If you are in the car:
- Park as quickly and carefully as possible in an area that does not block traffic, away from high-rise buildings, piles or rocks.
- Avoid driving through tunnels, bridges or overpasses.
After the earthquake
If you are indoors:
- Prepare for any aftershocks
- Check yourself and those around you carefully for possible injuries.
- Immediately help children, as well as disabled, helpless, sick or elderly people to protect themselves.
- If you are trapped or trapped somewhere from which you cannot escape, make every effort to give signs of life so that rescue teams can locate you.
- If a fire has broken out somewhere, put it out before it spreads.
- Avoid entering your home if you see damage, cut wires, gas or gas leaks.
- Do not touch live wires or objects touching wires. You are at risk of electric shock.
- Do not attempt to move a seriously injured person unless his/her life is in immediate danger.
- Do not enter buildings which have been damaged until the competent authorities have assured you that they are safe.
- Evacuate the building by the stairwell (do not use the lift) after turning off the electricity, gas and water switches.
- Use your landline or mobile phone only in exceptional circumstances, as this causes an overload of telephone networks which prevents the smooth coordination of the actions of the response services responsible for dealing with the consequences of the earthquake.
- Respond to calls for help, but do not move around unnecessarily so that rescue teams can move around unhindered.
- Shelter in an open and safe place.
- Follow the instructions of the authorities and pay no attention to rumours.
(MB/SX)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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