Earthquakes – prepare, take cover, check afterwards
Most earthquakes in Austria and Germany are weak. Stronger ones are rare – but possible. A few simple steps prepare you well.
Before
- Fix heavy furniture such as shelves and wardrobes to the wall, and secure the hot water tank.
- Do not hang heavy pictures or shelves above the bed.
- Choose a safe spot in every room: next to load-bearing interior walls, under a door frame or under a sturdy table.
- Know where the main power switch and the gas and water shut-off valves are – and tell the people you live with.
- Keep chimneys, parapets and gutters in good repair.
During the quake
Indoors: Go to your safe spot and wait until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows and do not run outside – falling parts are especially dangerous out there.
Outdoors: Stay where you are and keep about 5 metres away from buildings and power lines. In narrow streets, for example in an old town, step into the nearest doorway or gateway.
After a strong quake
- Put out open flames – candles, fireplaces.
- Switch off the power at the main switch and close the main gas and water valves.
- Check the building for damage. If it might collapse: leave at once and take your emergency bag.
- Only go back into damaged buildings – especially with a damaged chimney – once experts have declared them safe.
- Outdoors, keep away from buildings: aftershocks can bring down more parts.
- Turn on the radio and wait for instructions.