What do you do in case of a strong earthquake in Bucharest?

The last major earthquake, over 6 on the Richter scale, in ’77 was devastating for Romania's capital. The loss of life and the impact on buildings were unprecedented. Unfortunately, from then until now, not many measures have been taken to strengthen buildings at high seismic risk, but there is a population alert system that announces potential dangers via mobile phones. The earthquake will come, but without any warning. So the best thing we can do would be to learn to shelter and protect ourselves.

Bucharest is the country's largest urban agglomeration and is in the impact zone of earthquakes with epicenters in the Vrancea region. As history shows us, the question is not whether a stronger earthquake will come, but when. Being informed to react appropriately can reduce panic, just as ensuring that the buildings where we spend most of our time (home or office) are earthquake-resistant can reduce the risks associated with such an unpleasant event.

What can we do in case of an earthquake? 

Here is some information that would be good for you to know, no matter where you live, whether it's Greenfield Băneasa Complex or another residential area, whether it's a new building or not, a villa, or a public building.

In accordance with the information and training campaign I'm not trembling from the earthquake., launched by the Ministry of Internal Affairs – Department for Emergency Situations in partnership with e-on, there are various scenarios in which an earthquake can surprise us.

Here's what you should do, depending on where you are: 

Inside the home 

The safest places: under the doorstep, under a beam, or near an interior load-bearing wall. Turn off fire or gas sources if the earthquake catches you in the kitchen.
Do not leave the building until the earthquake has finished. Do not run down the stairs and do not take the elevator!

To minimize damage in the event of an earthquake, it is recommended to secure furniture that can shift during seismic activity.

2. On the street

It would seem like the best option, but in a city as crowded as Bucharest, if an earthquake catches you on the street, stay as far away as possible from buildings, poles, or electrical wires (you should stay at least 10m away from them) and even from trees, which can break under pressure and injure you.

3. The service 

If you are working in a building and your office is near a window, the first thing you should do is move away from the window, exterior walls, or heavy objects (furniture, mirrors) that could fall on you. Ideally, you should protect yourself and take shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture (a table), under a beam, or under a door frame.

4. In large shopping centers, such as malls or supermarkets 

Stay calm and protect yourself under a beam or near an interior load-bearing wall.

Contrary to what anyone might do, it is not advisable to go out or run down the stairs! It is also preferable not to stand near windows, glass, or objects that can break very easily and injure you.

Exit is made after the earthquake has ended, after the evacuation/access routes have been checked.

5. At school 

Keep calm! We know it's a bit difficult with children in these situations, but as much as possible, teach your child to remain calm and to take shelter under a desk, away from windows, exterior walls, or breakable objects.

6. In the elevator

If you are surprised by an earthquake in the elevator, press the emergency button and get out as quickly as possible.

Regardless of where you are, there are a few steps that are recommended to follow, regardless of the space:

Stay calm. 

Don't run! 

Don't run down the stairs if you're in a building! 

Move away from the windows and exterior walls!

Especially indoors, cover your head with something solid: a bag, a book, even your laptop if that's all you have. 

And after the earthquake endedCheck who is around and if they need first aid. Inspect the home for potential damage (gas leaks, open faucets). Avoid using open flames and the electrical system. Prepare an emergency backpack with essential items. Do not use your personal vehicle unless absolutely necessary. Stay away from buildings. If trapped under debris, signal your presence by hitting adjacent pipes or walls with a hard object at regular intervals. It's preferable to use data networks – chat apps, social media – for communication, leaving voice networks clear to avoid congestion, except for emergencies, of course.

Another method of protection is the Triangle of Life Theory, which, however, is not recommended by all seismology specialists. It involves positioning yourself next to large pieces of furniture. Ceilings that fall onto furniture will crush it, but will leave a space or void next to it, usually in the shape of a triangle. This space is what is called triangle of life.   

Take care of yourself and your loved ones, and teach them how to protect themselves and what to do in case of an earthquake.