Cyprus Earthquake !!

Good Morning everyone,
Today (Aug. 25, 2009) at 06:28am GMT, a 4.7 degree (Richter scale) earthquake hit the island of Cyprus.

I was getting ready, and about to leave my apartment on the 7th floor, heading to my work in Limassol city, when the shaking starts. It was like three strikes lasted between 30- 40 seconds. Most of the people left the building and they where standing in the streets.
Honestly, I was totally astounded! .. and shocked!!.. I moved to Cyprus 6 months ago and this was my first earthquake experience, I didn’t know what to do exactly!! .. should I leave my apartment ? .. should I use the stairs ? .. should I call someone ? ..

For the following 15-20 minutes, all mobile networks were busy and calls couldn’t go through ..

Anyways it passed and everything is great again on the island, so after today's experience I searched the net, and found some useful information on FEMA's website on what to do during an earthquake? And would like to share it with all of you .. just in case you go through the same experience…

What to Do During an Earthquake?
Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If indoors:
•DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
•Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
•Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
•Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
•Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
•Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
•DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors:
•Stay there.
•Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
•Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle:
•Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
•Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris:
•Do not light a match.
•Do not move about or kick up dust.
•Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
•Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.


Thank you and be safe.