How To Stay Safe During An Earthquake
- by XpatAthens
- Thursday, 03 September 2020
An earthquake is a sudden, abrupt shaking of the earth's upper crust caused by the shifting of rocks deep below its surface. Because of their unexpected onset, earthquakes can sometimes result in injuries and damage to properties and roads; they can also cause fires, tsunamis, or landslides.
Greece is the most seismogenic country in Europe and the 6th in the world. Dozens of earthquakes happen every day; however, most of them go unnoticed. Noticeable earthquakes happen in Greece about 1-3 times a year and not in all locations. Depending on your place of residence, you may not feel an earthquake for years.
In the event of an earthquake, protect yourself straight away.
- Do not get in a doorway.
- Do not run outside.
- If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
- If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
- If you are outside, stay outside and away from buildings.
Stay Safe During an Earthquake
To stay safe during an earthquake follow these 3 steps: drop, cover, and hold on.
Drop
Nomatter where you are, drop down to all fours. If you’re on a wheelchair or walker with a seat, lock the wheels and stay seated until the quake stops.
Nomatter where you are, drop down to all fours. If you’re on a wheelchair or walker with a seat, lock the wheels and stay seated until the quake stops.
Cover
It is important to cover your head and neck with your arms and crawl under a sturdy table or desk for shelter. Alternatively, crawl next to an interior wall, keeping away from windows. Stay on all fours or bent over to protect your vital organs as best as possible.
It is important to cover your head and neck with your arms and crawl under a sturdy table or desk for shelter. Alternatively, crawl next to an interior wall, keeping away from windows. Stay on all fours or bent over to protect your vital organs as best as possible.
Hold On
If you are under a table, hold on to it with one hand and be prepared to move with it if it moves. If you are unable to drop to the floor, assume brace posiotion, covering your head with your arms holding on to your neck with both hands.
If you are under a table, hold on to it with one hand and be prepared to move with it if it moves. If you are unable to drop to the floor, assume brace posiotion, covering your head with your arms holding on to your neck with both hands.
This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab