🚨 Earthquakes come without warning.
In Germany, the risk is moderate (Upper Rhine, Swabian Alb), but not to be underestimated.
The right behavior in the first 60 seconds is decisive.
1. During the Quake: Drop, Cover, Hold On
| Situation | Correct Behavior | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Indoors | Under sturdy table, protect head, hold on | Windows, balcony, elevator, stairs |
| In bed | Protect head with pillow, hold bed edge | Get up, windows |
| Kitchen | Protect head, away from stove/knives/glass | Kitchen cabinets, hanging pots |
| On the street | Stand between cars, avoid buildings | Under bridges, power lines, signs |
| In car | Stop, handbrake, engine off, protect head | On bridges, under bridges, at embankments |
| In supermarket | Away from shelves, crouch in shopping cart | Glass bottles, heavy shelves |
2. After the Quake – Immediate Measures
- Stay calm: Aftershocks are normal and usually weaker
- Turn off gas: Immediately close main valve (leak risk!)
- Power off: Main fuse out – short circuit risk with damage
- Fire: Extinguish small fires (fire extinguisher, blankets). Large = Evacuate!
- Rescue: Become first aider – but watch your own safety!
- No stairs: Avoid stairs (collapse risk). Use emergency exits.
- Turn on radio: Important announcements, aftershock warnings
- Phone: SMS instead of calls (network overloaded). Emergency 112 only for life-threatening.
3. Leave Building or Stay?
- Stay: If building looks stable, no visible cracks, no gas smell
- Leave: Cracks in load-bearing walls, crooked doors, gas smell, fires
- Avoid stairs: Use emergency exits, fire escapes, windows (low floors)
- On the street: Avoid buildings (falling parts!), seek open areas
4. Home Preparedness (Earthquake Areas)
- Secure furniture: Tall shelves, cabinets to wall (brackets, screws)
- Heavy objects: No heavy pictures over bed/sofa. No glasses on top of cabinets.
- Gas: Flexible hoses (not rigid), earthquake safety for lines
- Water: Flexible connection, shut-off valve easily accessible
- Emergency power: Flashlight beside bed, crank radio
5. Checklist: Earthquake
- ☐ Table/stable cover identified (Drop, Cover, Hold On)
- ☐ Gas main valve: location known, access clear
- ☐ Power main fuse: location known
- ☐ Emergency exits/windows as escape route known
- ☐ Flashlight + shoes beside bed (glass shards!)
- ☐ Crank radio + spare batteries
- ☐ Water (3L/person/day) stored
- ☐ Heavy dishes/furniture secured
- ☐ First aid kit accessible