Before:

• Assess the capacity of buildings (homes, educational centers and public installations) to withstand earthquakes of certain intensity and establish if they should be reinforced.
• Check periodically gas and electricity installations and fixtures and make sure they are in good condition.
• Design an emergency plan with your family and fellow workers, and carry out drills.
• Keep a first-aid kit.
• Keep with you emergency phone numbers of the Red Cross, hospitals, fire brigade, police, etc.
• Place large and heavy objects on low shelves or places.
• Fasten firmly to the wall: picture-frames, mirrors, dressers, cupboards, bookcases or bookshelves. Avoid placing heavy objects in the upper parts of these.
• Firmly fasten lamps, chandeliers and lanterns to the roof.
• Periodically, organize drills so that each family member knows what to do during the earthquake. Request the civil protection unit to conduct drills in your workplace.
• Learn about the escape routes and location of safety areas.

During:

• Control fear, keep calm and remember what to do.
  
• Move to a safe area of the premises you may be at the time of the earthquake. Try to protect yourself as best as possible, and remain where you are.
  
• Stay away from windows, mirrors, and glass items that may break.
  
• Stay away from stoves, fire pans, kettles, boilers, radiators, or any hot utensil.
  
• Stay away from stoves, fire pans, kettles, boilers, radiators or any hot utensil.
  
• If you are inside a building, remain where you are; do not try to use elevators nor staircases during the earthquake.
  
• If you are driving a motor vehicle, drive serenely towards a place away from bridges or thruways and park in a spot away from danger.
  
• In public crowded places (cinemas, theatres, stadiums, and classrooms) do not shout, do not run, and do not push. Get out calmly, if the exit is not crowded; otherwise, remain in your seat, placing your head over your knees and covering it with your arms.
  

After:

• In case of being trapped, remain calm. Try to communicate to the outside, making noise with an object.
  
• Do not use elevators and be cautious with staircases; the earthquake may have weakened them.
  
• Inspect and check for damages very carefully. If damages look serious, do not use the premises.
  
• Do not light matches, candles or open-flame devices, and do not connect electrical devices until making sure there are no gas leaks nor problems in the electrical installation.
  
• Do not consume food or beverages that have been in contact with shattered glass, debris, dust, or any pollutant.
  
• Turn on the radio to keep informed.
  
• Pay attention to indications given by relief brigades and the authorities.

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Source: Information taken from:

Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (CENAPRED). ¿Qué hacer en caso de... desastres.

Cruz Roja Colombiana. Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA). Serie didáctica autoformativa: Prevención y atención de desastres. Terremotos.

Comisión Nacional de Prevención de Riesgos y Atención de Emergencias de Costa Rica (CNE). Compendio general sobre desastres.