The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) reminded the population of what to do before, during, and after an earthquake, following a magnitude 5.3 tremor that was felt throughout the country early this morning. Therefore, you should prepare for the possibility of an earthquake by following these recommendations:
BEFORE
– Learn about the possible causes and effects of an earthquake in your area
– Discuss the topic calmly with your family and friends
– Create an emergency plan for your family
– Ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an earthquake
– Agree on a meeting place in case family members are separated during the earthquake
– Prepare your home to facilitate movement by clearing corridors and passages, tidying furniture and toys
– Organize your emergency kit
– Store water in plastic containers and dry food for two or three days
– Keep emergency service numbers, family/friend contact list, and copies of important documents in an accessible place
– Bring your usual medication and personal hygiene products, including a change of clothes
– Include: money, a whistle, a dust mask, and a mobile phone charger with a power bank
– Extra food and water for pets
– Identify the safest places and assign family members to them: interior doorways, corners of load-bearing walls, under tables and beds
– Maintain a safe distance from objects that may fall or shatter
– Know the most dangerous places: near windows, mirrors, lamps, furniture, and other objects. Elevators and exits to the street
– Secure shelves, vases, and planters to the walls of your home
– Place heavy or large objects on the floor or on lower shelves
– Teach all family members how to turn off electricity, water, and gas
DURING
If you’re inside a house or building:
– If you’re on an upper floor, don’t rush to the stairs
– Never use elevators
– Take shelter in an interior doorway, room corners, or under a table or bed
– Stay away from windows and mirrors
– Be careful of falling lamps, furniture, or other objects
– If you’re in a crowded place, stay inside the building until the earthquake stops. Then exit calmly, watching for falling walls, chimneys, electrical wires, lamps, and other objects
– Don’t rush to the exits. Stairs and doors can easily fill with debris and become obstructed by people trying to leave the building
– In factories, stay away from machines that may topple or slide
If you’re on the street or driving:
– Calmly move to an open area, away from the sea or waterways
– Don’t run or wander the streets
– Stay away from buildings (especially degraded, tall, or isolated ones), electricity poles, and other objects that may fall on you
– Move away from slopes, walls, chimneys, and balconies that may collapse
– If driving, stop the vehicle away from buildings, walls, slopes, poles, and high-voltage cables, and stay inside
AFTER
– Stay calm and expect possible aftershocks
– Don’t rush to stairs or exits. Never use elevators
– Don’t smoke or light matches or lighters. There may be gas leaks
– Turn off water and gas, and disconnect electricity
– Use battery-powered flashlights
– Turn on the radio and follow the recommendations broadcast
– Urgently clean up any spilled flammable products (alcohol or paints, for example)
– Avoid passing through areas with loose electrical wires
– Don’t use the phone except in extreme emergencies (serious injuries, gas leaks, or fires)
– Don’t circulate in the streets to observe what happened. Keep them clear for emergency vehicles
The article then provides details about the earthquake that occurred early Monday morning, with its epicenter near Sines and felt throughout Portugal, according to various seismological institutions.
