The Paphos Region suffered an earthquake today which measured 4.9 on the Richter Scale. No damage done locally, but Paula said it was a bit scary! I was in the UK! I understand these happen on a regular basis but this was our first!

I never thought I’d need something like this, but the Instructions for the protection of citizens from an earthquake given by the Civil Defence are useful tips that are good to know to protect ourselves and those around us.

Earthquake

BEFORE THE EARTHQUAKE
At home keep in a backpack, near the exit, indicatively: radio, water, First Aid kit, lantern with batteries, blanket, charger with sun collector, some money, whistle, dry food and baby food if there are children. I call it a survival backpack!

  • Fasten firmly to the walls, furniture that may fall such as, for example, windows and bookcases.
  • Make sure that the lamps, ceiling fans, frames on the walls are securely fixed.
  • Lower heavy objects.
  • Remove household or other appliances from near doors that may move and block the exit.
  • Have a fire extinguisher (or fire blanket) in an accessible place, maintain it according to the instructions and know how to use it.
  • Locate in your space a strong piece of furniture under which you will shelter as soon as you feel the earthquake and until the vibration stops.
  • Plan what the escape exit will be when the vibration stops and check it for obstructions.
  • Choose a safe meeting place with your relatives or colleagues, accordingly. That’s where you will meet, if you get lost!
  • Discuss protection measures with your relatives or colleagues at work.
  • Work at your workplace with your safety and health officer, where available, and participate in evacuation drills that take place at least once a year.
  • If possible, take First Aid classes so that you can help if needed.

AT THE TIME OF THE EARTHQUAKE

  • Shelter under some sturdy furniture (e.g. table, desk, bed).
  • If there is none, kneel down reducing your height as much as possible and protect your head and neck with your hands. If you have a bag or briefcase use it to cover yourself.
  • Move away from large glass surfaces (e.g. large windows), walls, or furniture and objects that may fall and injure you.
  • Remain calm because we know that many victims are caused while they all try to get out!
  • If you’re outdoors keep away from buildings, rocks or stakes and service cables.
  • If you’re in a car, stop it carefully in an open area so that it does not obstruct traffic and stay there.
  • Move away from the coast for the possibility of a tsunami following.
  • Avoid going through tunnels, bridges or overpasses!

AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

  • Go down the stairs! Never from the elevator! Help others get out of the building. Grab my survival backpack as well.
  • Avoid going out on a balcony.
  • Turn off the electricity and gas switches.
  • Do not light matches or lighter to avoid the risk of ignition from leaked LPG.
  • If there is a smell of gas, open doors and windows.
  • If a fire starts somewhere, extinguish it with the right kind of fire extinguisher.
  • Go to the default and agreed safe meeting place, which is away from buildings, big trees and telephone or electrical wires.
  • Remember that after an earthquake it is possible to follow aftershocks, also catastrophic.
  • Use your phone, landline or mobile, as little as you can, so as not to contribute to the collapse of the telephone network.
  • Notify the authorities about building collapses and if there are any injured.
  • Help the injured if you know First Aid, or find someone to help them.
  • If there are seriously injured people, do not move them until help arrives, unless their lives are in immediate danger from e.g. a crumbling wall.
  • Do not touch power lines or objects that touch them – you are at risk of an electric shock!
  • If you are trapped somewhere, try to give signs of life so that the rescue teams can locate you. A whistle is the perfect way!
  • Do not use your car unnecessarily so as not to hinder the work of the rescue crews.
  • Strictly follow the instructions of the Competent Services so as not to hinder their work.
  • Follow the media and pay attention to the instructions to the population.
  • Avoid entering your house, especially if there is damage, until you have permission from the Competent Services who will do an initial survey.