How to prepare for an earthquake?
How to prepare for an earthquake?
Almaty region is located in a seismically active region of the republic, where strong earthquakes are possible. According to statistics in the region, up to 400 tremors of the earth's surface are recorded annually, without being felt on the surface of the earth. If you prepare for earthquakes, having studied the rules of conduct in advance, you can significantly reduce all possible risks of accidents.
The Emergency Department of the Almaty region asks all citizens to study and remember the following rules of conduct in case of an earthquake.
How to prepare for an earthquake?
- Think in advance of an action plan during an earthquake when you are at home, at work, on transport and on the street. Explain to your family members what they should do during an earthquake, who should turn off electricity, water, gas and how, and teach them the rules of first aid.
- Keep documents, money, a pocket flashlight, spare batteries, a first-aid kit, personal hygiene items, a transistor radio, spoons, knives, matches and food in a convenient place, preferably in a backpack at the exit of the apartment. Have a supply of drinking water at home, a portable flashlight, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and canned food for several days.
- Remove the beds from the windows and exterior walls. Secure cabinets, shelves and shelving in the apartments, and remove heavy objects from the upper shelves. Place the furniture so that it cannot block the exits from the rooms, block the doors.
- Store dangerous substances (pesticides, flammable liquids) in a safe, well-insulated place where they cannot break or crumble.
- Arrange with your neighbors for mutual assistance and joint actions in case of emergencies.
- Know the gathering place and the evacuation procedure.
- Garage, cottage can be used as a temporary shelter in the first days after a strong earthquake. Keep a supply of food and spare items there. In the family, periodically conduct conversations and trainings in case of an earthquake.
How to act during an earthquake?
- Quickly exit the building, taking documents, money and basic necessities. When leaving the room, go down the stairs, not by elevator. Once outside, stay there, but do not stand near buildings, but go to an open space.
- Stay calm and try to calm others down! If you are forced to stay indoors, then stand in a safe place: against the inner wall, in a corner, in an inner wall opening or at a load-bearing support. If possible, hide under the table – it will protect you from falling objects and debris. Stay away from windows and heavy furniture. If you have children with you, cover them with yourself. If you are in places of mass attendance, behave calmly, do not create panic, do not rush to the exit and do not create traffic jams in the way of people's movement, help the sick and disabled.
- Do not use candles, matches, lighters – if there is a gas leak, a fire is possible. Stay away from overhanging balconies, cornices, and beware of broken wires. If you are in a car, stay in the open, but do not leave the car until the tremors stop. Be ready to help rescue other people.
How to act after an earthquake?
- Be careful! Ensure the safety of children, the sick, and the elderly. Calm them down. Do not use the phone unless absolutely necessary. Turn on the radio broadcast. Obey the instructions of the local authorities and the disaster response headquarters.
- Do not approach obviously damaged buildings, do not enter them. Be prepared for strong aftershocks, as the first 2-3 hours after an earthquake are the most dangerous. Do not enter buildings unless absolutely necessary.
- Do not invent or transmit any rumors about possible aftershocks. Use the official information. If you find yourself in a blockage, assess the situation, if possible, provide yourself with medical assistance. Try to establish a connection with people outside the blockage (by voice, knock). Remember that you cannot light a fire, and pipes and batteries can be used to signal. Save your energy. A person can go without food for more than half a month.
On August 21, 2019, at 12:00 p.m., the Department of Emergency Situations of the Almaty region, in order to carry out a technical check of the regional warning system in case of an emergency, electric sirens with the signal "ATTENTION TO ALL" will be turned on for 30 seconds.
If the signal finds you at home:
- turn on the radio, broadcast and television receivers;
- listen to the emergency message;
- act in accordance with the transmitted message.
If the signal caught you on the street:
- listen to the emergency message transmitted by street loudspeakers and mobile means of notification;
- act in accordance with the transmitted message.
Department of Emergency Situations of Talgar district