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Panama QuakeRecent

What to do before, during and after an earthquake

General safety steps based on guidance from Ready.gov (FEMA), the Red Cross and SINAPROC.

Every situation is different. These are general recommendations: if local authorities give other instructions, follow theirs first.

1Before

At home

  1. 1.Secure tall furniture, shelves and water heaters to the wall.
  2. 2.Identify safer spots in each room: under a sturdy table, away from glass.
  3. 3.Have an emergency kit and family plan ready.
  4. 4.Learn how to shut off gas, water and the main electrical switch.

With your family

  1. 1.Agree on a meeting point and an out-of-area contact.
  2. 2.Practise “drop, cover and hold on” at least once a year.
  3. 3.Save emergency numbers on your phone and on paper.

2During

If you are indoors

  1. 1.Drop, cover and hold on: protect your head and neck under a sturdy table.
  2. 2.Stay away from windows, mirrors and things that can fall.
  3. 3.Don't run outside while shaking or use elevators.
  4. 4.If in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.

If you are outdoors

  1. 1.Move away from buildings, poles, wires, trees and walls.
  2. 2.Find an open space, drop and protect your head.
  3. 3.Near the coast: if shaking is strong or long, move to high ground without waiting for alerts.

If you are driving

  1. 1.Pull over somewhere safe, away from bridges, overpasses and wires.
  2. 2.Stay inside with your seatbelt on until the shaking stops.

3After

First minutes

  1. 1.Check yourself and others for injuries; for serious emergencies call 911.
  2. 2.Expect aftershocks: drop, cover and hold on again if they happen.
  3. 3.If the building is damaged, leave calmly using the stairs.

Hazards at home and outside

  1. 1.Don't enter damaged structures until authorities inspect them.
  2. 2.If you smell gas, don't switch on lights or use matches; leave and shut the valve if safe.
  3. 3.Keep away from downed power lines and report them to the utility.
  4. 4.If there is fire, get out and call the Fire Department (103 or 911).

Communication

  1. 1.Text instead of calling to keep phone lines free.
  2. 2.Go to your agreed meeting point or check in with your out-of-area contact.
  3. 3.Follow SINAPROC and official channels; don't share rumours.