An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale, centered near Celorico da Beira, was felt in various municipalities across the North and Center regions of Portugal early Saturday morning.
The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) advises on necessary precautions before, during, and after an earthquake.
BEFORE
- Inform yourself about potential earthquake causes and effects in your area;
- Calmly discuss the topic with family and friends;
- Develop an emergency plan for your family;
- Ensure everyone knows what to do if an earthquake occurs;
- Pre-arrange a meeting point for family members if separated during the quake;
- Prepare your home for movement by clearing hallways and passages, organizing furniture and toys;
- Organize an emergency kit;
- Store water in plastic containers and dry food for two or three days;
- Keep emergency service phone numbers, contact lists for family/friends, and copies of important documents accessible;
- Carry regular medication and personal hygiene products, including a change of clothes;
- Include cash, a whistle, a dust mask, and a phone charger with a power bank;
- Have extra food and water for pets;
- Identify safe locations within the home, allocating family members to interior doors, master wall corners, and under tables and beds;
- Maintain a safe distance from objects that could fall or shatter;
- Be knowledgeable about hazardous areas: near windows, mirrors, lamps, furniture, elevators, and street exits;
- Secure shelves, pots, and flower boxes to walls;
- Place heavy or large objects on the ground or lower shelves;
- Teach all family members how to turn off electricity and cut water and gas supplies.
DURING
What to do if you are indoors or in a building?
- If on an upper floor, do not rush to the stairs;
- Never use elevators;
- Shelter in interior doorways, room corners, or under a table or bed;
- Stay away from windows and mirrors;
- Beware of falling lamps, furniture, or other objects;
- If in a crowded place, remain inside until the quake stops. Exit calmly, watching for walls, chimneys, power wires, lamps, and other fall hazards;
- Do not rush to exits. Stairs and doors can quickly fill with rubble or people trying to leave the building;
- In factories, stay away from machines that may topple or slide.
What if you are outside or driving?
- Calmly and serenely move to an open area, away from the sea or water courses;
- Do not run or wander the streets;
- Stay away from buildings, especially those in poor condition, tall, or isolated, and from power poles and other potential fall hazards;
- Avoid slopes, walls, chimneys, and balconies that could collapse;
- If driving, stop the vehicle away from buildings, walls, slopes, poles, and high-voltage cables, and stay inside it.
AFTER
- Stay calm and prepare for potential aftershocks;
- Do not rush to stairs or exits. Never use elevators;
- Do not smoke or use matches or lighters due to possible gas leaks;
- Turn off water, gas, and electricity;
- Use battery-powered flashlights;
- Turn on the radio and follow any broadcasted instructions;
- Immediately clean up any spilled flammable liquids (e.g., alcohol, paint);
- Avoid areas with loose electrical wires;
- Only use the phone in an extreme emergency (e.g., serious injuries, gas leaks, fires);
- Do not wander the streets to observe events. Keep them clear for emergency vehicles.
Do you still need an emergency kit? Here’s what to include
A backpack should contain:
- Water
- Dry or canned food
- Flashlight
- Whistle
- Battery-powered radio with spare batteries
- Thermal blanket
- Personal hygiene items
- Essential medications
- First aid kit
The earthquake occurred at 00:38, with its epicenter about four kilometers west-southwest of Celorico da Beira in the Guarda district, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA).
On the Richter scale, earthquakes are classified by magnitude as micro (<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).
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