It is not possible to predict when an earthquake is going to happen, we can only be sure that it is inevitable to happen. And even though the seismic activity is moderate in Portugal, history reminds us that there have been major earthquakes and with a high degree of destruction. Therefore, to promote a safe environment at home, to be aware of the emergency plans in the places we work in, and to know how to act in the event of an earthquake, are topics that should be part of the “basic package” of knowledge of each and every one of us. Do a review and make sure that everything is in order and everyone has that knowledge present. This way, your family will be prepared for such an eventuality. A safe home When organizing and decorating your home: Keep the tallest pieces of furniture (shelves, dressers and cupboards, among others) fixed to the wall or away from the areas where people spend more time in; Always arrange heavier objects on the lower part of a cabinet: heavier books at the bottom, heavier decorative items at the bottom, heavier dishware at the bottom; Whenever hanging objects on the wall or at the ceiling, make sure they are firmly fixed; Keep the circulation areas of the house free (hallways and doors); Reserve a specific place for the house keys, close to the main door; In sleeping rooms / areas: Do not place the bed next to windows or tall pieces of furniture holding loose and heavy objects (such as a bookcase), nor under large and heavy lamps hanging from the ceiling; Do not hang heavy objects or pictures framed with glass on the wall over the bed head. A safe family The survival kit Always have at home and keep at hand all you may need to put together a “survival kit”. Make a regular inspection to the expiration dates and remove and replace as necessary. The kit should include: Water and non-perishable foods in quantity enough for 2-3 days; A first-aid box and common over-the-counter medicines; Depending on the specificities of your family: medication taken by members, glasses / contact lenses, diapers, personal hygiene products; A change of clothes for each member; A radio and a flashlight, dynamo or battery-powered (it may seem updated, but Internet and electricity may fail), and the necessary battery sets; A fire extinguisher or fire-extinguishing blanket; Emergency isothermal blankets or sleeping bags; A solar charger for mobile phones may be an advantage; A pen or pencil and something to write on; A list of the national and local emergency numbers (also including the numbers you keep in your phone); Copies of the main identification documents. Preparing the family Every member of the family (according to age) should know: What are and where are kept the items included in the survival kit; The location of meters and how to turn off electricity, gas and water in the house; What to do in the event of an earthquake, considering: Places where they usually are: at home, at work or at school, in the street, in transports, among others; If they are alone or accompanied; If they are near or far from the family. The family plan: Establish an emergency plan, considering the specific needs of your family, in particular when there are children or dependent adults; Choose a meeting point for the family and decide a way to communicate in case of an emergency; Chose a contact person outside the family that all the members know; Make sure the children know by heart the name, address and phone number of the contact person and family or close friends; Review regularly the preparedness of everyone. What to do in the event of an earthquake: drop down, cover, hold on Inside the house or a building: Do not rush out; Go to a safe spot inside the house: Under a table or a high bed; Under doorways, in the corners of rooms; Away from windows, balconies, elevators, heavy and tall pieces of furniture, fireplaces and the kitchen; Kneel down, to minimize the risk of falling, and protect the head with your hands, so as to not get hit by moving objects; Wait for the quake to end; When everything seems calmer, notwithstanding possible aftershocks: See if any of the presents needs help; Turn off the electricity, gas and water meters; If the house has been damaged, take the survival kit and indispensable things, go outside – not using the elevators – and find an open space. In the street: Remain in the street and find an open space: Away from buildings, trees, posts, walls or anything that might collapse; In areas close to the shore, go to high places and further from the sea. Driving: Stop and remain inside the vehicle, if possible away from: Bridges, tunnels and viaducts (over or under); Buildings, trees, posts, walls or other structures that might collapse. In spaces where there are firefighters / civil protection teams in action: Follow all the indications given. After reaching a safe place Help those who may need help, keep abreast of the events (via radio or phone, if it works) and follow the guidance provided by the responsible authorities. Only in case of extreme emergency – serious injuries, fire or suspected gas leak –, call 112 in Portugal. Sources:: Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil. Sismos – prepare-se e proteja-se. 2018 Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Stay safe during and earthquake
