How to Protect Ourselves from Earthquakes

During the month of February, one of the main news (unfortunately sad) was the news about the strong earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

These earthquakes were some of the strongest and most terrible earthquakes that ever happened. They caused serious damage, destroyed entire cities and most sadly, claimed more than 45,000 human victims.

The whole world sympathized with this tragedy. Many countries, including ours, have sent their own trained teams to help extract survivors from the rubble. Material aid and monetary donations were also collected for the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

All these efforts have only helped to alleviate the situation in both countries, where it will take a long time for everyday life to return to normal.

Unfortunately, what happened this time in these two countries can happen anywhere and anytime, because earthquakes are natural calamities that do not choose where and when they happen.

In fact, an earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the shaking of the surface of the Earth resulting from a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s lithosphere that creates seismic waves. Earthquakes can range in intensity, from those that are so weak that they cannot be felt, to those violent enough to propel objects and people into the air, damage critical infrastructure, and wreak destruction across entire cities.

Most often during an earthquake, people do not take adequate preventive measures due to panic or ignorance.

For better safety in case of an earthquake, it is very important to learn:

• The preventive measures that we need to take before the earthquake happens,
• The steps we should take during an earthquake and
• Instructions on what to do after the earthquake

1. Before the Earthquake

– Identify interior bearing walls and beams

– Ensure that furniture and household items do not fall

– Place the bed away from windows and massive furniture and mirrors

– Place heavier items on the lower shelves

– Keep flammable liquids and chemicals away from heat sources

– Provide a path of movement

– Do not place furniture and objects on the evacuation path

2. During an earthquake

– Stay away from external walls, doors, windows, furniture

– Lower yourself to the floor to maintain body stability

– Take shelter in a safer place (under load-bearing walls, next to a stronger piece of furniture) and protect your head and neck with your hands

– Do not panic if the supply of electricity, water, telecommunications is interrupted

– Do not use an elevator during the impact, nor after the earthquake is over

– Do not use stairs to quickly leave the building

3. After the earthquake

– It is common for multiple aftershocks to follow

– Stay in the shelter with head and neck protection until the shaking stops

– Ensure that pets leave the home with you

– If there is damage, do not return to the home until you are allowed to

For better protection, it is necessary to inform ourselves about the conditions in our environment, which are the potential dangers, risks and threats in the place where we live.

The Single European Calling Number 112 has been introduced, which is a new and unique number to call for help for any type of emergency and crisis situations.

Other emergency phone numbers are:

195 Crisis Management Center

194 Emergency medical care

193 Territorial firefighting units

192 Police

Being prepared can save lives, ours and the lives of others around us