American Citizen Services
Earthquake Survival Tips
Recently, there have been a number of small tremors in Bulgaria. It is possible that Sofia may experience some of these tremors, or even a larger earthquake. Here are some survival tips for your review:
Preparations:
Have an earthquake survival kit on hand
Plan family emergency procedures
Make plans for reuniting your family
Make sure all family members know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity
Don’t place heavy objects over beds
Keep heavy objects lower than head height of shortest member of family
During an earthquake:
Stay calm!
If inside, stand in a doorway, or crouch under a desk or table; stay away from windows or glass dividers
If outside, stand away from buildings, trees, and telephone and electrical lines
If on the road, drive away from underpasses and overpasses; stop in safe area; stay in vehicle.
After an earthquake:
Move to a safe place – prepare for aftershocks
Wear shoes
Check for injuries; provide first aid, if needed
Turn off appropriate utilities
Turn on the radio and listen for instructions from public safety agencies
When safe, conduct a safety check for gas, water breaks, downed power lines and shorts
Move your vehicle to a safe area, if it is in a garage, etc.
Check for building damage and potential problems
Survival Kits:
Emergency supplies should be adequate for at least 3 days
A 10-day supply of water, food, and medicine is recommended.
It might prove useful to include:
- passports and or other picture IDs;
- other important documents like medical/real estate insurance, copy of a will, real estate deed, etc.
- about $100 cash