What to Do During and After an Earthquake: A Practical Guide

Introduction

Earthquakes are unpredictable natural events that can occur at any moment, especially in seismic regions of South America such as Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Knowing how to act during and after a quake is crucial to protect your life and that of your loved ones. In this guide, we provide practical recommendations based on protocols from organizations such as Chile's National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (SENAPRED), Argentina's National Institute for Seismic Prevention (INPRES), and Uruguay's National Emergency System (SINAE).

What to Do During an Earthquake?

The golden rule is to stay calm and follow these steps:

If you are inside a building

• Drop, cover, and hold on: Get under a sturdy table or desk, protect your head and neck with your arms, and hold on firmly until the shaking stops.
• Stay away from windows and objects that could fall: Glass, lamps, shelves, and mirrors are dangerous.
• Do not use elevators: They could get stuck or fail.
• If you are in bed: Stay there, cover yourself with pillows, and hold your position until it ends.

If you are outdoors

• Move away from buildings, poles, and power lines: Find an open space like a park or field.
• Drop and cover: If there is no shelter, protect your head with your arms.

If you are driving

• Stop the vehicle in a safe place: Avoid bridges, tunnels, and poles. Stay inside with your seatbelt on until the quake passes.

What to Do After an Earthquake?

Once the shaking has stopped, it is important to act with caution:

Assess your surroundings and look for injured people

• Check for injured people: Provide first aid if you are trained and call emergency services (911 in Argentina and Uruguay, 132 in Chile).
• Inspect structural damage: If your home has deep cracks or risk of collapse, evacuate immediately.

Avoid secondary risks

• Turn off gas and electricity: If you detect leaks or damage to installations, close the shut-off valves.
• Do not light matches or lighters: There could be gas leaks.
• Stay informed: Use a battery-powered radio or cell phone to receive alerts about aftershocks and tsunamis (in coastal areas).

Communication and help

• Use text messages: Calls can overload networks. Send short messages to let others know you are okay.
• Follow authorities' instructions: Organizations such as SENAPRED, INPRES, or SINAE will issue specific recommendations.

Prior Preparation: The Best Defense

Prevention is key. Put together an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, a radio, and important documents. Identify safe zones in your home and conduct family drills. In seismic regions, it is essential to reinforce structures and secure tall furniture.

Tips for Farmers and Fruit Growers

If you manage crops or livestock, after a quake check:

• Infrastructure: Inspect sheds, silos, irrigation systems, and fences.
• Animals: Make sure they are safe and uninjured.
• Supplies: Secure water and feed for livestock.
• Communication: Contact local agricultural authorities to report damage and receive assistance.

Conclusion

Earthquakes are natural phenomena that test our preparedness. Knowing what to do during and after a quake can make a difference. Stay calm, follow protocols, and stay informed through official sources. At Contingencias, we support you with early warnings and advice to face climatic and natural events in South America.