On mid-Friday morning the Center for Emergency Operations (COE) ran an earthquake drill in parts of the National District to test protocols in place and create awareness in the population. The drill pretended the city had been affected by a 7.4 Richter Scale earthquake, similar to the one that killed over 300,000 persons in Haiti in 2010. United States Southern Command disaster teams assisted in the exercise. There are 14 major fault lines that run under the island. Last week, there was a 4.6 earthquake in southeastern San Pedro de Macoris.
General Juan Mendez, the commander of the COE, noted that there is a “before” and an “after” for seismic events. Within the “before” section, people should place heavy objects on lower shelves and make sure ceiling fans are well installed, bookcases and shelves with breakable items firmly secured to a wall. Mendez also spoke of removing big flowerpots from balcony railings, since in a strong tremor, these could fall on anyone below.
Other indications are for residents to inspect their gas lines and electrical installations and know where the master switches are located. Any corrosive or flammable liquids should be stored where they cannot spill. Other recommendations are to have ready an emergency kit with basic survival equipment: food, water and essential medicines and first aid items.
The “during” period requires a calm behavior where persons seek safety within the structure and then evacuate in an orderly fashion.
In the “after” period, persons should congregate in open spaces, as far as possible from any electric lines. People should not go barefoot. Boil water before consuming and phone use should be reduced to a minimum. Stay away from coastal areas.
The COE also recommends staying outside an affected building until the authorities give the all-clear and there is no danger of collapse.
Finally, people should be aware of aftershocks, oftentimes nearly a large as the original quake, and they should carry out practice evacuations in their homes.
COE has said it will carry out a free inspection of most buildings and family dwellings if requested to do so.
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
13 May 2019