Never is it too much to remember what to do in the event of an earthquake. With this in mind, the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) has offered some advice to the public as part of the public exercise ‘A Terra Treme,’ which will take place on November 5.
The earth trembled… and now? What to do?
- Protect your home by identifying risks and securing non-structural elements (furniture);
- Place heavy or fragile objects on lower shelves or within closed compartments;
- Keep beds away from windows and ensure passageways are clear in case of emergency;
- Avoid placing heavy objects above beds;
- Shield fragile items with low-cost, easy-to-apply materials;
- Secure large or heavy elements that could become hazardous if they come loose;
- If you live in a high-risk area, reinforce the most critical elements. Consult with an engineer or architect.
According to Civil Protection, ‘A Terra Treme’ is an “exercise organized annually by ANEPC” aimed at “alerting and raising awareness among the public about how to act before, during, and after an earthquake occurs.” The exercise will take place on November 5 at 11:05 a.m., and registrations are open to those who wish to participate.
It should be remembered that, according to the Richter scale, earthquakes are classified by their magnitude as micro (less than 2.0), very small (2.0-2.9), small (3.0-3.9), light (4.0-4.9), moderate (5.0-5.9), strong (6.0-6.9), major (7.0-7.9), great (8.0-8.9), exceptional (9.0-9.9), and extreme (above 10).
Emergency kit? If you haven’t prepared one yet, remember what is essential
If you haven’t prepared your emergency kit, now is the time to do so. What should it include?
Thus, you should pack the following items in a backpack:
- Water
- Dried or canned food
- Flashlight
- Whistle
- Battery-powered radio and spare batteries
- Thermal blanket
- Personal hygiene items
- Essential medications
- First aid kit
Civil Protection also warned that you should regularly check “the expiration dates of various items, and if you have pets, do not forget to anticipate a supply of food.” You may also “add other items you deem essential” to your kit.
If you haven’t prepared your emergency kit, which should ensure your basic needs for at least three days, remember what is essential in case of a major accident or disaster.
Notícias ao Minuto with Lusa | 15:56 – 07/07/2025
