PREPARE
Inside the house
Fix shelves and bookcases firmly to the walls. Move tall furniture away from doors that can tip over and block exit.
Screw the water heater and fuel and water tanks securely to the walls.
Place heavy items on the lowest shelves.
Remove heavy objects from above beds and sofas.
Secure light fixtures and ceiling fans.
Identify well-protected areas in each room of the house:
- under sturdy desks or tables.
- away from glass surfaces and bookcases.
- away from external walls.
Check the correct operation of the electricity and natural gas supply network.
Inform family members of how to turn off the main electric, water and gas switches and of the emergency telephone numbers (112, 199, 166, 100, etc.)
Get a portable radio with batteries, a flashlight and a first aid kit.
Outside the house
Choose a safe post-earthquake meeting place that is:
- away from buildings and trees
- away from telephone and electrical cables.
WHEN AN EARTHQUAKE HAPPENS
If you are inside the house
Keep your cool.
Take cover under some sturdy piece of furniture (table, desk), kneel down and hold one of the legs 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 home.
Do not go out on the balcony.
If you are in a tall building
Move away from windows and exterior walls.
If you are in an entertainment area, shopping center or large store
Keep your cool.
Stay in the area until the vibration stops.
Don’t get carried away by the panicked crowd moving disorderly towards the exits since you risk getting trampled.
If you are in an open area
Move away from areas under buildings, telephone or power lines.
If you have a bag or briefcase with you, cover your head with it.
If you are in the car
Take refuge in an open space and stop the car carefully so that it does not obstruct traffic.
Avoid going through tunnels, bridges or overpasses.
WHAT TO DO AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE
If you are inside the house
Prepare for any aftershocks.
Carefully check yourself and those around you for possible injuries.
If there are seriously injured people do not move them.
Evacuate the building from the stairwell (do not use the elevator), after first turning off the electric, gas and water supply.
Escape to an open and safe area.
Follow the instructions of the authorities and do not pay attention to rumours.
Do not use your car unnecessarily so as not to become an obstacle to the work of rescue crews.
Use your landline or mobile phone in exceptional cases, because the phone networks are already overloaded.
Avoid entering your home if you see damage, cut wires or gas leaks.
