Recently, there have been a number of small tremors in Bulgaria. It is possible that Sofia may experience some of these tremors, or even a larger earthquake. Here are some survival tips for your review:
Preparations
- Have an earthquake survival kit on hand
- Plan family emergency procedures
- Make plans for reuniting your family
- Make sure all family members know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity
- Don’t place heavy objects over beds
- Keep heavy objects lower than head height of shortest member of family
During an earthquake
Stay calm! If inside, stand in a doorway, or crouch under a desk or table; stay away from windows or glass dividers
If outside, stand away from buildings, trees, and telephone and electrical lines
If on the road, drive away from underpasses and overpasses; stop in safe area; stay in vehicle.
After an earthquake
- Move to a safe place – prepare for aftershocks
- Wear shoes
- Check for injuries; provide first aid, if needed
- Turn off appropriate utilities
- Turn on the radio and listen for instructions from public safety agencies
- When safe, conduct a safety check for gas, water breaks, downed power lines and shorts
- Move your vehicle to a safe area, if it is in a garage, etc.
- Check for building damage and potential problems
Survival Kits
Emergency supplies should be adequate for at least 3 days
A 10-day supply of water, food, and medicine is recommended. It might prove useful to include:
- passports and or other picture IDs;
- other important documents like medical/real estate insurance, copy of a will, real estate deed, etc.
- about $100 cash