Before the Earthquake
1. You will need food and water (a gallon a day per person), a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher suitable for all types of fires, flashlights, a portable radio, extra batteries and medication.
2. Identify a safe area and all the possible emergency exits of your house, school or work place.
3. It could be very useful an adjustable or pipe wrench to turn off gas or water and an alternate cooking source (barbecue or camp stove).
4. Know emergency numbers (ambulance, police, firemen) 5. Securing water heaters, major appliances and tall, heavy furniture to prevent them from toppling are prudent steps.
6. Store hazardous or flammable liquids, heavy objects and breakables on low shelves or in secure cabinets.
During an Earthquake
1. If you are indoors, stay there. Get under and hold onto a desk or table!, or stand against an interior wall.
2. If there are no desks or tables near you, protect your face and eyes with your arms and stay away windows and furniture.
3. Stay clear of exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture, fireplaces and appliances.
4. If you are…
- outside, get into the open. Stay clear of buildings, power lines or anything else that could fall on you.
- in an office building, stay away from windows and outside walls and do not use the elevator. Get under a desk or table and stay there up to the end of quake.
- In a crowded place, like a restaurant or cinema: Stay where you are and keep away from dangerous objects. Don’t run towards the doors.
- In you car: move the car out of traffic and stop. Avoid parking under or on bridges or overpasses. Try to get clear of trees, light posts, signs and power lines.
After an Earthquake
1. Shut off the power at the control box and the main gas valve.
2. If you are in trap, shelter your mouth and nose. Don’t shout in order not to asphyxiate with dust and hit with an object to signal your position.
3. Don’t walk barefoot, glasses or sharp objects may be on the ground.
4. You have to be prepared to possible earthquakes following in the next months. In this case damaged building are even more dangerous.
5. Don’t use elevators.
6. Don’t enter damaged buildings. Don’t walk along the coast in order to keep off possible tsunami produced by the earthquake.
7. Don’t move injured people unless they are in a dangerous place.
8. If the phone is working, only use it in case of emergency.
9.Listen to the radio for important information and instructions..
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