Earthquake

PREPARE

Inside the house

  • Fasten shelves and bookshelves to the walls. Remove tall furniture from the doors that can tip over and block the exit.
  • Screw the water heater and fuel and water tanks well to the walls.
  • Place heavy objects on the lower shelves.
  • Remove heavy objects over beds and sofas.
  • Secure the luminaires and ceiling fans well.
  • Identify well-protected areas in each room of the house:
    – under sturdy cabinets or tables.
    – away from glass surfaces and bookshelves.
    – away from external walls.
  • Check the proper operation of the electricity and gas supply network.
  • Inform family members about how the main electricity, water and gas switches close and emergency telephones (112, 199, 166, 100, etc.)
  • Get a portable radio with batteries, flashlight and first aid kit.

Outside the house

  • Choose a safe meeting place after the earthquake which is located:
    – away from buildings and trees
    – away from telephone and electric cables.

 

WHEN IS EARTHQUAKE

If you are in the house

  • Remain calm.
  • Lie under a sturdy piece of furniture (table, desk, desk), kneel and hold his foot with your hands.
  • If there is no durable furniture, kneel in the middle of the room, reducing your height as much as possible and protect your head and neck with 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.

If you are in an entertainment venue, mall or big store

  • Remain calm.
  • Stay in the area until the vibration is over.
  • Do not be seduced by the panicked crowd that moves erratically towards the exits because you risk being trampled.

If you are outdoors

  • Move away from areas under buildings, telephone or electrical cables.
  • If you have a bag or briefcase with you, cover your head with them.

If you are in the car

  • Take refuge in an open area and carefully stop the car so as not to obstruct traffic.
  • Avoid passing through tunnels, bridges or overpasses.

 

WHAT TO DO AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

If you are in the house

  • Prepare for any aftershocks.
  • Examine yourself and those around you carefully for possible injuries.
  • If there are seriously injured do not move them.
  • Evacuate the building from the stairwell (do not use the elevator), after first turning off the electricity, gas and water switches.
  • Take refuge in an open and safe place.
  • Follow the instructions of the Authorities and do not pay attention to gossip.
  • Do not use your car unnecessarily so as not to become an obstacle to the work of rescue teams.
  • Use your landline or mobile phone in exceptional cases, as it causes the telephone networks to be overloaded.
  • Avoid entering your home if you see damage, cut cables, gas or gas leaks.

HOW TO REACT TO AN COMING GRAVINE WAVE (TSUNAMI)

If you are in a coastal area with low altitude

  • Although not all earthquakes cause tsunamis, stay alert.
  • Notice if there is a significant rise or fall in the water level, which is a natural warning.
  • Move away from the sea and head to inland areas with higher altitude. A small tsunami in one part of the coast can turn into a large tsunami, miles away.
  • Stay away from the coast. The tsunami does not consist of a single wave but of a series of waves so return only after being informed by the competent authorities that there is no danger.
  • Do not approach the shores to watch an impending tsunami. When you see it it may be too late to avoid it.

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