The Italian branch of the Red
Cross has issued a set of guidelines on what to do in the case
of an earthquake.
If you are outside when it happens, get away from
constructions, power lines and industrial facilities.
Stay away from the edges of lakes and beaches, due to tsunami
risks.
Go to the waiting areas established by municipal emergency
plans and avoid using telephones and vehicles in order to free
up lines and roads for rescue operations.
If you are in a car, do not stop near bridges, terrain prone
to landslides and beaches.
If you are inside a building when the earthquake occurs, seek
shelter in a doorway in a load-bearing wall or under a beam that
can protect against collapses. The fall of glass, plaster and
other materials can inflict injury on those in the middle of
rooms.
Take shelter under tables and staying away from furniture,
heavy objects and glass that could fall.
The guidelines urge everyone to stay away from stairs and
elevators, since stairs are often the weakest part of buildings
and elevators can get stuck.
The Red Cross recommends keeping a first aid kit in homes and
ensuring that all family members know where to find it.
After an earthquake, the Civil Protection recommends checking
the condition of all those around in order to facilitate rescue
operations. Do not try to move people who have been seriously
injured to prevent worsening their condition. Leave buildings
wearing shoes as the streets are likely to have broken glass and
rubble. Remember to shut off the gas and power prior to leaving
in order to prevent fires, and then go to open spaces and far
away from buildings.
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