Civil Defence | Recommendations for Public Self-Protection and Safety Measures in case of Earthquake

Defence Redefined

29/09/2021

BEFORE THE EARTHQUAKE

At home / office / school:

• Properly attach shelves and bookshelves to the walls. 
• Do not place refrigerators and tall furniture in places where they may move and block potential exits.
• Place large and heavy objects as well as anything that can easily fall or break at a low spot.
• Remove heavy objects over beds and sofas. 
• Secure lamps and ceiling fans.
• Mark the most secure places at home, at school, at your workplace to resort to them in case of an earthquake:
• under resistant tables, desks, or benches
• away from glass surfaces and libraries
• away from exterior walls
• Check proper operation of the electricity and gas supply network. 
• Inform your family members/office staff about how the main switches on electricity, water, and gas are off.
• Get a first aid kit. 
• Place a fire extinguisher in an accessible place and practise using it.

Also read: European Commission | Equipment Procurement Program for Civil Protection

DURING THE EARTHQUAKE

If you are indoors:

• Stay calm. Do not panic.
• Cover yourself under a sturdy piece of furniture (table or desk).
• If there is no such furniture, kneel in the middle of the room, reducing your height as much as possible and protect your head and neck using your hands.
• Avoid large glass surfaces (windows, glass partitions) or furniture and objects that may injure you.
• Do not try to leave the house.
• Do not go out on the balcony.

If you are in a tall building:

• Move away from windows and exterior walls.
• Do not use the elevator to escape. There is a risk of falling or getting stuck in it due to power cuts or distortion in its drivers. 
• Do not stand near open windows, on balconies, or on terrace edges. You can fall into the void. 

If you are in an entertainment venue, mall, or department store:

• Stay in the area until the vibration stops.
• Do not get carried away by the panicked crowd that moves erratically towards the exits, because you risk being trampled.

If you are outdoors:

• Avoid standing near buildings, rocks, electric poles, or objects that may fall and injure you. 
• If you have a bag or briefcase with you, cover your head with them.
• Get away from the shores. After a strong earthquake, high waves may be created that may swiftly sweep the shores. 

If you are in the car: 

• Park as fast and carefully as you can away from high-rise buildings, piles of rocks. 
• Avoid passing through tunnels, bridges, or overpasses. 

AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

• Immediately help protect children, but also the disabled, the sick, or the elderly. 
• If a fire breaks out somewhere, put it out before it gets bigger.
• Do not touch power cords or objects that touch cables. You are at risk of electric shock. 
• If you are trapped somewhere and you cannot escape, try in every way to give signs of life, so that rescue teams can locate you.
• Do not attempt to move a seriously injured person unless their life is in immediate danger. 
• Do not enter damaged buildings until the competent authorities have assured you that it is safe to do so.
• Do not use the phone unless needed. Blocking telephone lines prevents the coordination of the actions of the competent Services and the mission dealing with the effects of the earthquake. 
• Respond to calls for help, but do not move around unnecessarily, so that rescue teams can move around unhindered. 

Source: Civil Defence

Also read: European Commission | Modernization Program on Civil Protection Equipment