How to protect yourself and those around you from the earthquake – Detailed Civil Defense survival guide
The steps citizens must follow before, during and after an earthquake are summarized in a comprehensive guide by Civil Defense. Among others, citizens during the tremors should get under sturdy furniture, stay away from large glass surfaces, stay away from buildings, rocks or coastal areas and places with cables. In any case the recommendation is to keep cool!
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 fasten firmly to the walls, furniture that can fall such as, for example, display cases and bookcases.
3. I make sure that the light fixtures, ceiling fans, frames on the walls are well fixed.
4. I lower heavy objects.
5. I move household or other appliances away from doors that may move and block the exit.
6. 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.
7. I locate a double cover in my water area where 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 loved ones, in an open and safe place. There we will meet in case of an earthquake!
10. I discuss with my loved ones, or my colleagues, the ways of protection.
11. I cooperate in my workplace with the Civil Defense officer, so that I can be informed about evacuation and self-defense exercises.
12. If possible, take First Aid courses so I can help if needed.
At the time of the earthquake:
1. I take refuge under some sturdy piece of furniture (eg table, desk, bed).
2. If there is none, I kneel down as much as possible and protect my head and neck with my hands. If I have a bag or briefcase with me, I'm covered.
3. I move away from large glass surfaces (eg large windows), walls or furniture and objects that may fall and injure me.
4. I keep my cool because I know many casualties are caused when everyone is trying to get out!
5. If I am outdoors I stay there, away from buildings, rocks or coastal and cable areas.
6. If I am in a car, I carefully stop it in an open space so as not to block traffic and stay there.
7. I move away from the coast 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 also help others out of the building. I also grab the survival backpack as I leave. I avoid going out on the balcony. I turn off the power and gas switches. I do not light a match or lighter to avoid the risk of ignition from leaked LPG. If there is a gas smell, I open doors and windows. If a fire starts somewhere, I put it out if I can, with the appropriate type of fire extinguisher. I go to the pre-selected and agreed safe meeting place, which is away from buildings, large trees and telegraph or electric wires. I remember that after an earthquake it is possible to have aftershocks, also destructive. 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 injuries. I help the wounded, if I know First Help, or I find someone who helps them. If there are seriously injured people I do not move them until help arrives, unless their lives are in immediate danger. I do not touch telegraph wires or objects resting on them. Danger of electricity! If I am stranded somewhere, I try to give signs of life so that the rescue crews can find me. A whistle is the ideal way! I do not use my car unnecessarily so that it does not hinder the work of rescue crews. I faithfully follow the instructions of the Competent Services so as not to make their work difficult. I watch 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.
