Earthquake Survival Tips

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