What to do in the event of an earthquake
An earthquake is a natural phenomenon that cannot yet be predicted but can be defended against by adopting appropriate behavior.
Preparing to face an earthquake is essential. Wherever you are in the moment of the earthquake, it is very important to keep calm and follow some simple rules of behavior. The only real defense we have is ourselves.
During the earthquake
In the event of an event, remain calm and do not panic. Also, try to reassure the other people present.
If you are in a closed place
Do not rush out of the building unless you are on the ground floor and the front door gives direct access to an open space;
do not use the stairs;
do not use the elevator;
if you are surprised by the shock inside an elevator, stop on the first floor possible and exit immediately;
move away from glass, heavy furniture, shelving, suspended electrical systems, or in any case from objects that can fall;
seek shelter under a table, in a doorway, inserted in a load-bearing wall or under a beam, in the corner between two walls;
wait for the shock to end.
All the teaching and technical staff present in the classrooms, libraries, and reading rooms, teaching and research laboratories, will maintain control of the students and users, inviting them to remain calm and to respect the behaviors described above.
Known self-protection measures must be taken and made taken by all. In particular:
protect yourself from falling objects by sheltering under tables or in correspondence with identified lintels;
turn on the radio, do not use telephones and wait for the arrival of the authorities or their instructions.
After the shock
Leave the premises quickly by following the marked routes and heading to the assembly point without running or pushing;
making sure anyone within their reach is leaving the premises and helping the disabled and anyone who appears to be struggling;
close doors and windows; leave doors and windows open only if specific instructions have been received in order to limit possible risks of explosion;
move away quickly following the marked routes and head to the meeting point without running and without pushing;
hold on to the railings while going down the stairs so as not to fall if someone pushes you;
stay at the assembly point for any attendance checks;
In case of toxic release and external fire:
stay in the building;
close windows and ventilation systems and seal gaps with wet rags;
lie down on the ground and hold a wet rag over your nose;
wait for the arrival of the authorities with their provisions.
In the presence of smoke or flames it is advisable to:
wet a handkerchief and tie it over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory tract from smoke;
wrap woolen clothing (avoiding synthetic fabrics) around the head to protect the hair from the flames;
If you are by car
Slow down and stop on the side of the road, but never in the underpasses;
stay away from bridges, overpasses, landslides, and power lines;
wait in the car for the shock to end.
If you are outdoors
Head to open, wide spaces;
move away from buildings, embankments, power lines, enclosure walls, and construction sites;
if you are on a sidewalk pay attention to ledges, signs, and balconies, and possibly seek shelter under a door.
What to Do After an Earthquake?
Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who needs it.
Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut off the valves. Check for the smell of gas. If you smell it, open all the windows and doors, leave immediately, and report it to the authorities (use someone else’s phone).
Turn on the radio. Don’t use the phone unless it’s an emergency.
Stay out of damaged buildings.
Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep from cutting your feet.
Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you).
Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis and seiches sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.
Stay away from damaged areas.
If you’re at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in charge.
Expect aftershocks.
