What to Do Before, During and After an Earthquake?

Cuba en Datos: Actividad sísmica, cómo transcurrió 2021 y lo que puede pasar
Cuba en Datos: Actividad sísmica, cómo transcurrió 2021 y lo que puede pasar
What to Do Before, During and After an Earthquake?

Did you know that at this very moment, as you are reading this text, an earthquake is shaking somewhere in the world or in Cuba? And that earthquakes are natural events that act without prior warning and that is precisely where their destructive power lies. Yes, exactly, that could be happening in any state of Venezuela, or in any other country in the world.

Earthquakes are an example of how dynamic and changing the planet Earth is, they can bring us benefits and losses, unfortunately nothing can be done to stop them, although we can contribute to lessen the damage they may cause. But with earthquakes not everything is destruction, over the years, such natural events have also brought a series of procedures and protection tactics generated by experts in seismic prevention to lessen the damage and prevent greater consequences.

Santiago Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Radio in Cuba

Sismo perceptible en el sur de Cuba
What to Do Before, During and After an Earthquake?

Luis Casas Romero, Founder of Radio in Cuba

Before:

Elaborate a contingency plan, with your relatives or neighbors, which allow specifying the actions to be taken by each member of the family or community. Select an open and safe place where you will go after the earthquake. For a quick evacuation, know where the keys to the exit door are located. Prepare a backpack that includes a first aid kit, canned food, can opener, drinking water, radio, flashlight, batteries and a whistle to send distress signals. Locate, visually, the safest exits for escape. If possible, mark them. Secure and/or relocate heavy objects that may fall, such as computers, lamps, bookcases, pictures, fans, televisions, etc.

What Cuba can give the peoples, and has given, is its example

En visita al CENAIS, Ramiro Valdés indaga sobre sismos perceptibles
What to Do Before, During and After an Earthquake?

During:

React calmly and reassure people next to you. If you are indoors, protect yourself under a table, desk, desk or sturdy bed. If there is no furniture to protect you, place yourself under a beam, next to a column or in a corner of the building in a fetal position. Move away from windows, mirrors or glass doors.

If you are in a crowded place (movie theater, theater, subway, etc.), do not panic or run for the doors, as many people will get hurt trying to get out at the same time.

If you are on the beach, get out of the water quickly, move away from the shore and stand in an elevated position, at least 300 meters away, as large swells may occur. If you are in a wheelchair and indoors, position yourself under a beam, next to a column or in a corner. Then brake the wheels and cover your head with your arms.

US blockade restricts Cuban economic growth

Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Sismológicas
What to Do Before, During and After an Earthquake?. Photo: Santiago Romero Chang

After: Activate the emergency plan. At the end of the movement, evacuate people promptly and in order from the school, home, or workplace. Do not use elevators; remember that you can be trapped. Use the stairs. Try not to walk barefoot. Turn on the radio to listen to the recommendations of the authorities and follow them. Collaborate in the rescue of the injured. In case of being trapped, remain calm. Ask for help in a loud voice or use the whistle. Be prepared for secondary earthquakes known as aftershocks.

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