Earthquakes: Protection and preparedness
In light of recent events, the Civil Protection Department of the National Commissioner of Police is reminding people of the appropriate responses and precautions to take against earthquakes. It is important that residents of known earthquake zones take steps to minimise damage from earthquakes.
In light of recent events, the Civil Protection Department of the National Commissioner of Police reminds people of how to react and protect themselves against earthquakes, as well as what to do afterwards. It is important that residents in known earthquake zones take measures to reduce damage from earthquakes. This can be done in various ways.
More information on the Civil Defence website
Furniture:
Secure cabinets, shelves and heavy items to the floor or wall. Keep the castors on furniture always locked. If the castors do not have a locking mechanism, fit a frame around them to prevent the furniture from moving during an earthquake. However, please note that a frame or a lock on castors will not prevent furniture from tipping over. Secure light decorative items with Blu-Tack.
Loose items and ornaments:
Do not place heavy items on high shelves or walls without securing them firmly. Blu-Tack can be used to prevent lighter items from shifting during an earthquake. Heavy tableware and objects are best stored in lower cupboards, preferably locked.
Heating appliances and radiators:
Secure heating appliances and ovens. Familiarise yourself with the location and shut-off point for the water supply and the electrical panel. Securely fasten heat pump heaters. A leak can cause significant damage if the water is not shut off immediately. The same applies to the connections for washing machines and dishwashers.
Photos, chandeliers:
Secure pictures and chandeliers in closed loops.
Cupboard doors:
Store heavy tableware in the lower cupboards/drawers and fit safety/child locks to cupboard doors to prevent their contents from falling out.
Accommodation:
Prevent cupboards, paintings, fragile and heavy items from falling onto sleeping areas. Avoid placing beds near large windows and load-bearing walls.
Air and floor:
Finish suspended ceilings and raised floors well.
Windows:
Cover windows or fit safety film to glass to prevent a shower of shards if a pane breaks. Do not place beds under windows if there is a risk of earthquakes.
Insurance:
Compensation from the Icelandic Natural Disaster Insurance for property is based on fire insurance, which is compulsory.
Radio and announcements:
Listen to announcements and instructions broadcast on the radio. It is a good idea to have a longwave radio in case FM stations go off the air. You can then listen to the radio in your car.
Telephones:
Mobile phones are of little use if the power goes out for a long time. It can be a good idea to have a car charger or a power bank to charge mobile phones. Send a text message to your nearest and dearest instead of calling (especially after a major earthquake) to reduce the strain on the emergency phone network.
In earthquake-prone areas, the effects of earthquakes can be reduced through earthquake drills to be better prepared when a major earthquake strikes: CRUMP – SHIELD – HOLD is a phrase that is worth committing to memory.