Unfortunately, the earthquake can neither be predicted nor prevented and can in a very short time cause huge damage to building infrastructure and massive loss of human life.

On the occasion of the recent strong earthquakes in the area of Elassona, let us remember the instructions of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection as to how we should act before, during and after the earthquake.

Inside the house

- Firmly fasten shelves and bookcases to the walls. Remove from the doors tall furniture that can be overturned and block the exit.

- Screw well into the walls the water heater and fuel and water tanks.

- Place heavy objects on the lower shelves.

- Remove heavy objects over beds and sofas.

- Fasten the light fixtures and ceiling fans well.

Identify well-guarded places in each room of the house:

- Under durable cabinets or tables. 

- Away from glass surfaces and bookcases.

- Away from external walls.

Check the proper functioning of the power and gas supply network.

Inform family members about how the general electricity, water and gas switches are turned off and about emergency phones (112, 199, 166, 100, etc.)

Get a portable radio with batteries, a flashlight and a first aid kit.

Outside the house

Choose a safe meeting place after the earthquake which is located:

- Away from buildings and trees

- Away from telephone and electrical wires.

EARTHQUAKE TIME

If you are inside the house

- Keep your composure.

- Cover under some durable furniture (table, desk) kneel and hold with your hands its foot. 

- If there is no durable furniture, kneel in the middle of the room, reducing your height as much as possible and protect your head and neck with your hands.

- Move away from large glass surfaces (windows, glass partitions) or furniture and objects that may injure you.

- Do not try to move away from the house.

- Do not go out on the balcony.

If you are in a tall building

Move away from windows and exterior walls

If you are in an entertainment venue, shopping center or large store

- Keep your cool.

- Stay in the space until the vibration is over.

- Do not get carried away by the panicked crowd that moves disorderly towards the exits because you risk being trampled underfoot.

If you are in an open space

- Move away from areas that are located under buildings, telephone or electrical cables.

- If you have a bag or briefcase with you, cover your head with them. 

If you are in the car

- Take refuge in an open area and stop the car carefully so as not to obstruct traffic.

- Avoid going through tunnels, bridges or overpasses.

WHAT TO DO AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

If you are inside the house

- Prepare for any aftershocks.

- Carefully check yourself and those around you for possible injuries.

- If there are seriously injured do not move them.

- Evacuate the building from the stairwell (do not use the elevator), after first closing the switches of electricity, gas and water.

- Take refuge in an open and safe place. 

- Follow the instructions of the authorities and do not pay attention to rumors. 

- Do not use your car unnecessarily so as not to become an obstacle to the work of rescue crews.

Use your landline or mobile phone in exceptional cases, because it causes overloading of telephone networks.

Avoid entering your home if you see damages, cut cables, leakage of LPG or natural gas.