In recent months, Lisbon has been the target of some more intense earthquakes: one of them happened last August (the 26th), and there was another earthquake this year (February 17th), both with epicenters very close to the Portuguese capital.
It’s almost always when a “moderate” earthquake happens in Lisbon that we ask ourselves what to do in such situations, if they were to be more serious than they have been. Fortunately, in both of these situations, there was no damage.
Most of the measures we’ve always been accustomed to hearing about are still in place, but there are new tips you should bear in mind, ranging from prevention to after the event.
Let’s be quick and concise, so you don’t get lost reading all the instructions on how to proceed. Here are all the procedures you should pay more attention to.
Before the earthquake (prevention)
- Draw up a family emergency plan:
- prepare an emergency kit with water, food that won’t spoil over time, flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, medicines and other items you deem indispensable
- assign tasks to each family member
- make sure you know how to turn off the electricity and gas
- gather essential documents and/or photocopies
- make a list of emergency meeting points near your home and/or work
During the earthquake (action and protection):
- If you are inside a building:
- remain calm and carry out the usual steps – lower, protect and wait
- if possible, take cover under sturdy structures such as a table, pillar or beam
- wait for the earthquake to calm down or stop, and wait for aftershocks
- stay away from windows, mirrors, lamps or furniture that could break or fall
- never use the elevator and don’t go down stairs until the earthquake has calmed down
- If you are in the street:
- look for an open space, away from buildings, electricity pylons or walls that could fall down
- avoid bridges and viaducts that could suffer structural damage
- If you’re near the sea/river:
- immediately move to higher ground, according to evacuation instructions, to avoid tsunami risks
- If you are driving:
- stop the vehicle in a safe place, away from buildings or poles, and, if in a car, stay inside until the earthquake has passed
After the earthquake (assessment):
- On a personal level:
- wear shoes to avoid shattering glass and debris
- turn off the electricity and gas to prevent fires and explosions
- don’t smoke or use other forms of ignition, such as matches (due to gas leaks)
- When evacuating:
- leave the place where you are calmly and prudently
- go to the emergency points designated by Civil Protection
- stay informed about possible aftershocks (use portable radios to follow up-to-date information about the earthquake)
Here’s a short video explaining all the measures we’ve just listed in the event of another earthquake in Lisbon.
If you follow these measures, in the event of a serious earthquake in Lisbon, you’ll be one step closer to saving lives, and it’s always important to take precautions beforehand so that you can make decisions even more quickly when faced with one of these natural disasters.