Earthquake response – in light of recent events

In light of recent earthquakes, and particularly over the past week, the City of Hafnarfjörður would like to encourage the residents of Hafnarfjörður and friends of the city to familiarise themselves with earthquake response procedures. It is important that everyone is aware of the correct response. should further seismic activity occur in the coming days, weeks, months or years.   

The latest information on the situation can always be found on the Met Office website.

If you are indoors when an earthquake starts – do not run.

• Stay still, many accidents happen when you rush off.
• Go under the table or bed and hold on to the table or foot of the bed.
• Crouch down in a corner by a load-bearing wall or in a doorway against a load-bearing wall.
• Protect your head and face with a pillow - if you wake up during an earthquake
• Stay away from windows – they can break
• Let us know you're safe by text when the earthquake is over.

If you are outdoors when you feel an earthquake – do not run inside

• Stay outside
• Do not be near tall buildings that could collapse or tall trees.
• Rockfalls, avalanches and snowslides can fall from slopes and mountainous terrain.
• Power lines can be dangerous – avoid touching them
• Try to get to an open area where buildings are not close by.

If you are driving a car when you feel an earthquake:

• Park the car and stop. Roads and bridges can be damaged in an earthquake.
• Fasten your seatbelts
• Stay still in your car as it can protect you from falling debris during an earthquake – listen to the radio, as that is usually where the first information about the earthquake comes from.

The aim of civil protection is to tackle risks posed by natural disasters, man-made incidents, epidemics, military action or other causes, which may threaten the lives and health of the public, the environment and/or property.  Detailed information can be found on the website of the National Police Commissioner – Civil Contingencies Department.