What to Do during the Earthquake

Remember, earthquake will most probably take you by surprise.
Equanimity, calmness and prudent actions: these are the conditions you need. Your calmness will inspire confidence in your friends .
- Remember that even in case of a destructive earthquake, the buildings don’t collapse at once. The analysis of the Gyumri destructions (9 points) showed that the 10-story buildings started to collapse 10-12 seconds after the first shakes. This is the time when you can initiate certain actions in order to be saved.
- Remember that children, elderly, and patients need your help. Taking care of their needs, you won’t fear for your life and will be able to act in a more balanced way.
- Remember, you are being searched and the best will be done in order to save you.

If you are in a building during the earthquake

a) If you are in the 1st or 2nd floor of a high-rise building, immediately try to get out of the building, go away to an open space,
b) If you are on the 3rd or a higher floor , don’t go out of the building, the stairs and the escalators will be full with panic-stricken people, the elevators can be switched of at any moment. Besides, usually the stairs and the escalators collapse first.
c) You may stand by the main walls in the middle part of the main building and at the corners formed by the latters, near the doors and pillars, holding a chair, a bag or other appropriate item, in order to be protected from the stucco-pieces. You may also go under the bed or a table standing in the territory.
d) stay away from windows and external walls of the building, because these are collapsed first of all, and also not to be harmed by friable items .
e) Beware of heavy and large items- wardrobes, refrigerators, which may move and fall.
f) After the earthquake try to leave the building in a pre-determined way.
g) When coming out of the building beware of the falling fragments, broken glass cut off wires.
h) You may suffocate from the dust resulted from the collapse. Therefore, use a handkerchief or a piece of clothing when breathing.

If you are in the street during the earthquake

a) Go away from building, bridges and power-pillars away a to secure place
b) Never enter a building in order to get the people out: it’s very dangerous.

Stay outside at the same time looking for ways to help them.

If you are in a transport during the earthquake

When a strong earthquake, you can’t control the wheel. The impression is like the car wheel went out. In the meantime, in order to make sure that you did not hit any other cars or you will not be hit, Slow the car down and move along the right side of the road. Stop in a relatively open space, away from bridges, high-rise buildings and power-pillars. Stay in the car, follow the instructions given by the radio receiver of the car.

The access of all the vehicles to the disaster zone is strictly prohibited, except for specialized equipment, rescue teams, firefighters and ambulance.

If you are on the subway.

If the subway is a safe haven during the bombing, then in case of a strong earthquake it can be equally dangerous.

In that case:
a) Don’t panic and first of all provide your safety.
b) During the earthquake, strongly hold from any subject, such as the luggage rack and iron rods, so not to fall.
c) During a 5-point earthquake power will shut off, the train will temporarily stop and the emergency lamps will automatically turn on in the subway stop.
d) It’s dangerous to go towards the gates and may cause panic.
Follow the instructions announced by the loudspeaker of the station.

If you’ve woken up by the earthquake

a) In no way use the electricity, matches or a gas burner (gas pipeline may be damaged).
Use only a pocket flashlight.
b) Don’t waste your time on dressing, quickly take the most necessary items’ bag, and follow the instructions given in the previous sections.

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