What to do in case of an earthquake in Armenia

After the events in Turkey, we asked the RA Ministry of Emergency Situations what to do in case of an earthquake. Based on their response, as well as methodological recommendations, we publish the procedure.

After the shocks start, you have 20-40 seconds. If you are in the basement, on the first or second floor, run outside. Take the "alarm backpack". Do not panic about looking for clothes, documents, valuables.

Do not use the elevator and mobile phone, do not try to shoot or record stories.

Cover your head with something from falling debris and tree branches. On the street, run to an open place. The best option is on the square. If there is no area nearby - away from all buildings, pillars, monuments, power lines. Do not give in to the herd instinct (where they are, there I am) and control yourself in a panicking crowd: in no case do not fall.

If you were in a car or bus at the time of the earthquake:

• Stop (ask the driver to stop) if you are not on a bridge, under a bridge, in a tunnel;
• Unfasten the seat belt;
• Open the doors;
• Get under the seat (on the bus, if possible);
• If this is not possible, cover your head with something;
• Do not get out of the car;
• Do not prevent people from getting into your car for rescue.

If you have time and know how, then turn off the gas valve and turn off the electricity.

Then get up:

• at the inner wall;
• in the corner;
• at the bearing support.

Cover your head and face with something. If possible, hide under a table. Keep away from cabinets, windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture.
Children (not even your own) must be covered with yourself.

If you find yourself under the rubble, remember: without food and water, you can hold out long enough to be rescued.

Do not waste your energy on panic and tears, especially if you are injured or do not feel any part of the body, feel dizzy or see open wounds on the body (bone fragments, fittings, etc.).

Focus on saving yourself: examine the body for wounds and damage; understand how much water and food you have; try to find warm clothes / blankets (be very careful when moving so as not to provoke a collapse).

Try calling for help. But don't despair if she doesn't come right away.

Rescuers arrange “minutes of silence” once an hour. At this point, all equipment stops working. Listen carefully and, as soon as the noise of the cars has stopped, shout or blow the whistle.

Until help comes, keep your brain busy:

• solve puzzles;
• recall the stories of survivors (not just in an earthquake);
• sing songs (not out loud);
• think about your plans and how you will tell the story of your salvation;
• tell yourself jokes and memes. Humor dulls physical pain and the pain of loss.

Don't think about this:

• Don't feel sorry for yourself;
• Do not think about the fate of loved ones;
• Don't think about your death;
• Don't think that someone hasn't been saved;
• Do not think about lost things, projects;
• Think not of the dead;
• Do not think that you will not be heard;
• Don't think that you are cold and/or hurt.

If you have children with you, distract them and yourself with these same techniques. If water is scarce, don't tell them stories and reassure them succinctly.

Build a wake-up backpack at home and near your workplace ahead of time. Put in it:

1. Copies of identity cards (passport, residence permit, driver's license, social card, international passport) and other important documents for you. Pack them into files;
2. Cash in $ and ֏;
3. Unsalted and unsweetened high calorie bars/crackers;
4. 2-3 bottles of non-carbonated and unsweetened drinking water;
5. First aid kit: medicines you need, painkillers, sedatives, antishock, bandage, plaster, iodine, activated charcoal / other absorbent;
6. Power bank and wire for your phone;
7. Flashlight;
8. Whistle;
9. Batteries for the flashlight;
10. Warm socks, jacket, hat, gloves;
11. Swiss knife (multitool).

Follow these steps periodically to be prepared and not reduce your panic:

• Study: which walls at home and at work are load-bearing;
• Work out an escape route from home and work in the event of an earthquake;
• Tell your children what to do in case of an earthquake. Also train them;
• If you have a non-walking relative, practice rescue with him in advance;
• Learn how to cut off the gas and turn off the electricity in your home. Overlap and turn off to work out the action;
• Check the expiration dates and performance of items in the alarm backpack;
• Donate blood regularly if you can. Blood donation stations after an emergency are always overcrowded.

Be flexible in some code of conduct and morality in order to survive:

• Running naked out of a building is more important than being dressed under rubble;
• Running out without an alarming backpack is more important than being under the rubble with it;
• Saving yourself is more important than saving a pet;
• Saving yourself is more important than jewelry or a laptop;
• To remove a thing from the deceased so as not to freeze himself is not looting;
• Eat his food too.

After an earthquake, people are always needed. You can help rescuers and the state:

1. Sign up for the removal of rubble;
2. Donate blood;
3. Distribute food and warm clothes at temporary accommodation points;
4. Shelter those left without an apartment;
5. Open a collection or independently purchase essentials.

In the first hours after the earthquake, do not call, so as not to load the line.

To become a volunteer in clearing rubble, contact the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.
Address: Yerevan, st. Anastas Mikoyan, 109/8.