Earthquake

An earthquake is an emergency situation that occurs suddenly, lasts a few seconds, and can cause great destruction and human casualties as a result of ground shaking.

How to be prepared for an earthquake:

- talk about the earthquake with your family members, hold safety trainings;

- determine a safe place in the house together;

- fasten bookshelves, chandeliers and closets to the wall, ceiling or floor;

- keep toxic chemicals and flammable liquids in an isolated safe place;

- do not place furniture (sofa, armchair) and bed in front of the window, try to use the curtain made of thick material;

- prepare and keep a spare bag with a certain amount of food and water, a medicine supply, important documents, money, a flashlight and warm clothes;

- all family members should know how to turn off gas, water and electricity;

- keep the corridors and exits of the house free of unnecessary items.

 

What to do in case of earthquake:

- you have only 10-15 seconds to safely leave the building when you feel the first shock;

- take your emergency bag and mobile phone when you leave the house;

- turn off gas, water and electricity;

- leave the building and stay away from buildings and installations;

- if it is not possible to leave the building within 10-15 seconds, stay at home;

- do not use the elevator;

- don't panic and jump from a high floor;

- go to the safe place you have determined at home;

- if there is a table with iron legs, you can get under it;

- kneel down or lie on your side, bend your legs, and protect the back of the head with your hands;

- if you have a minor with you, try to protect him or her with your body.

 

If you are in the street during the earthquake:

- stay away from buildings, electric poles and lines, bridges, go to an open place;

- if you are driving the car in an open place, stop it, close the windows, and wait for the shocks to end;

- if you are driving near buildings, leave it immediately and go to an open place.

 

What to do after the earthquake:

 

If you are outside during the earthquake:

- if possible, help the injured and provide them with first aid;

- do not approach the places of destruction (even if it is the building where you live);

- to enter the building where you live, first, assess the conditions accurately and then make a decision;

- do not use an open fire (matches, lighter) as there may be a gas leak in the damaged building.

 

If you are at home during the earthquake and if there is no destruction:

- if the earthquake hits you at night, use a flashlight, not a match or a lighter;

- turn off gas, water, and electricity and leave the building;

- if there is a small fire, try to extinguish it yourself;

- if it is impossible to extinguish the fire on your own, go to a safe place by helping children, injured and disabled people;

- follow the latest information about the earthquake and follow the instructions;

 

If you are trapped under debris as a result of the earthquake: 

- do not panic, if necessary, try to give yourself first aid;

- if you have the strength to remove yourself and others from the debris, choose the method that requires the least force;

- if you are not sure of your strength and skills, wait for rescuers;

- if the sound of machines and equipment is stopped, it means that the rescuers have announced a "moment of silence." Take advantage of this silence and try to report your location by yelling, carelessly knocking on the things around you, or using a cell phone.