how to prepare now in order to protect yourself during an earthquake

Greece

1.Be informed about the earthquake, the seismicity of the area and protective measures

2.Have a discussion with the members of your family and point out the well-protected places in each area of the house, how to switch the power off, which telephone numbers are useful in case of emergency (eg European Emergency Number 112), which is the nearest safe area to shelter in and regroup after an earthquake.

3.Have essential first-aid supplies like a first-aid kit,a portable radio,a flashlight, etc.

4.Ensure that your house is safe. Pinpoint and minimize thenumber of high-risk areas in it. Place any heavy or fragile items on low shelves. Secure bulky furniture, lamps, ceiling fans etc. on the walls. Avoid hanging heavy items on the walls above the bed. Repair existing damages in the building like leaks, cracks.

5.Take part in emergency drills.

Estonia

1. Before the earthquake occurs, secure items that could fall or cause damage to you.

2. Practise your behaviour during the earthquake, stay in the safe place, react quickly.

3. Store some water and meds at home.

4. Make a way of communication with your family during the earthquake.

Italy

Depending on when and how they were designed, built, and furnished, existing school buildings may have weaknesses that make them more vulnerable to earthquakes. Check with your local experts to find out whether, and for how long, your schools have been subject to building codes containing seismic design provisions.

It is also important to know whether and for how long local seismic code provisions have addressed nonstructural building components ( light fixtures, suspended ceilings, windows, partitions). Nonstructural seismic weaknesses can prove particularly dangerous, costly, and disruptive in schools.

Have an earthquake readiness plan.

Safety training for staff and earthquake curricula for students should emphasize safe places to "drop, cover, and hold on" during earthquake shaking and safe locations where people can rendezvous when the shaking has stopped and it is safe and advisable to evacuate.

Periodic earthquake drills should be held to give students and staff opportunities to practice what they have learned and condition themselves to react spontaneously and safely when the first jolt or shaking is felt.

Build Disaster Resilience in the Community With their capacity to inform, empower, and motivate the citizens of tomorrow, schools have unique opportunities to broaden popular awareness and understanding of earthquake hazards and of how to reduce the risks that these hazards pose for individuals, families, organizations, and schools.

Portugal

• Keep a supply of canned food, an up-to-date first aid kit, water, dust masks and goggles, and a working battery-operated radio and flashlights in an accessible place.

• Know how to turn off your gas and water mains;

• Attach heavy shelves or furniture, gas bottles, vases and flower pots to the walls of your home;

• Practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On! Plan and practice how to Drop to the ground, Cover your head and neck with your arms, and if a safer place is nearby that you can get to without exposing yourself to flying debris, crawl to it and Hold On to maintain cover;

• Consult a structural engineer to evaluate your home and ask about updates to strengthen areas that would be weak during an earthquake;

• Have a fire extinguisher at home. Learn to use it and do a periodic review;

• Free the exits and the corridors of furniture and other objects;

Reunion

If you live in area with sysmic activity , think about taking some precautions

Find the points of stopping the gas,water and electricity Fix down appliances,and heavy furniture so they aren't projeted or reversed. Study the opportunity to assess the vulnerability diagnostic of your building and, maybe how to make it stronger Take the correct action with your phone on emergency situation

Romania

Before an earthquake: - prepare an emergency plan for your family and home - learn medical first aid, including cardio-pulmonary resuscitation - find out which are the safest places in your home in the event of an earthquake and practice your refuge in those areas. Safe place

under heavy tables or desks; on the hallways; in the corner of the rooms; next to the resistance pillar.

Dangerous places near windows or mirrors; next to heavy objects that could fall; kitchen; doors, where shock can cause the door to hit you.

Prepare your house: go through the house and imagine what could happen in the event of a violent earthquake. - Learn how to close water mains and how to stop electricity. - Put labels showing open / closed positions, On / Off on water, gas, main power switches. - Anchor the boilers and any other appliances that by falling or moving could break gas or water pipes. - Anchor heavy furniture pieces - Do not hang heavy paintings or mirrors above the beds.

Prepare an emergency kit Pack emergency suplies in plastic bags or plastic boxes and place them in secure places in the house: in the closet, under a staircase. It has to be easy to carry, you can take it with you.

Prepare an emergency package in the car if you have to evacuate your home and you will not be able to return.

These supplies must be sufficient for your survival for 3 days.

Water is essential for survival. Store at least 4 liters of water per person per day. The best is bottled water in small plastic bottles. Put them in a cool place in the dark. Write down the purchase date label. Replace water supplies every 6 months. If you have pets prepare for them water (about 30 milliliters of water / kg / day).

Other things: - light food and non-perishable, biscuits, energy bars, etc .; - first aid kit; - blanket; - radio with batteries and spare batteries; - flashlight, candles - whistle - 3 short whistles is the signal for help - personal hygiene items: soap, toothbrush and paste, toilet paper; - agenda with important phone numbers. - medicines: analgesics, antiseptics - the medication needed by every person in the family - family documents: must be stored in plastic bags that seal tightly

Turkey

What to do Before the Earthquake

• You will not have time to think during the earthquake! Plan ahead! • Stop thinking “it won't happen to me.” • Do not postpone preparations.

Apply precautions for earthquake injuries. (Film coating against glass breaking, fixing or replacing the furniture that can fall, decoration change..vs) Put a flashlight, shoes and water near your bed After the earthquake, prepare a disaster bag to make life easier.• Make a communication plan with your relatives in other cities to communicate and meet with your relatives.• At home and at work, keep a flashlight, a light, a fire tube, a first aid kit.

Halil İbrahim ÇOKPINAR İlayda KESENEK Melike Mina TORBALI

Substances Common to Other Countries in Pre-Earthquake Construction

1-Prepare first aid kit 2-Trousers, breeches etc. (for men) keep 3-Having a communication plan 4-Have an earthquake preparedness plan TURKEY TEAM