Earthquakes

Earthquakes cannot be predicted, happen suddenly and without any warning, so it is useful to know how to act when there is one

Before an earthquake:

• Have an expert survey the building to evaluate its resilience to earthquakes and determine any necessary improvements to the building’s structure
• If necessary, implement these improvements to the building’s structure
• Determine load-bearing walls

WHAT CAN YOU DO YOURSELF?

• Move heavy furniture away from the bed and any sofas
• Secure shelves and closets from falling over (screw them into the wall)
• Safely secure items such as painting frames, mirrors and notice boards to the wall
• Securely install and support ceiling light fixtures and hanging fixtures like chandeliers
• Determine one safe spot in your home
• Prepare a lamp, mobile phone, radio, extra batteries and a first aid kit and learn first aid
• Learn and memorise where the main circuit breaker is and where the main gas and water valves are and how to close them
• Always have some food supplies at home.
• Make a family plan (meeting location, contact persons, methods of communication, etc.)

During an earthquake:

• Do not panic and try to keep calm
• If you are on a higher floor (aftershocks are possible, which can be strong enough to cause additional damage to an already weakened building structure), hide next a load-bearing wall, under a heavy piece of furniture (table) or a load-bearing beam
• Do not use the stairwell or the lift
• Move away from any glass, windows, high furniture, mirrors and partition walls
• If you are in a vehicle, stop in an open area and remain inside the vehicle.

After an earthquake:

• Keep calm, do not spread panic
• Expect aftershocks, which can be strong enough to cause additional damage—this is why you need to avoid heavily damaged buildings
• Once the first earthquakes are over, leave the space in the most appropriate manner (do not use the lift under any circumstance) and take your most important belongings with you
• If you are outdoors, go to an area away from buildings which could collapse
• Keep away from any trees, street lights, power lines and buildings (keep an eye out for falling debris)
• Turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker and turn off the gas and water at their main valves
• Avoid damaged buildings, billboards, advertising boards, overhead power lines and similar structures which could injure you
• If you are leaving your home, go to the meeting location you agreed on with your family as part of your emergency plan
• If you are hurt, apply first aid to yourself if you can until you are reached by a rescue team

 If you are buried in the rubble:

• Put on a facemask or cover your face with a fabric so as not to breathe in dust particles
• Try to let people know where you are by hitting walls, pipes, using light (hand lamp) and audio (whistle) signals
• Do not use matches or lighters because of the risk of explosion due to a gas leak!
• Do not yell to prevent dust particles entering your respiratory system and to preserve your energy and oxygen!