Earthquake Response

Preparation Steps

Romania sits above the Vrancea seismic zone, one of the most active in Europe. Major earthquakes struck in 1940 (7.7M), 1977 (7.2M, killing 1,578 in Bucharest), and 1986 and 1990. Preparation is not optional in this region.

• Know your building's seismic risk class. In Romania, buildings are classified RS I through RS IV based on seismic risk. RS I buildings are highest risk. Check with your local municipality or building administrator.
• Identify safe spots in each room. Under a sturdy desk or table, against an interior wall away from windows and heavy furniture. Practice Drop, Cover, Hold On.
• Identify danger zones. Avoid: windows, exterior walls, heavy furniture that can topple, kitchen areas with falling objects.
• Secure heavy furniture. Anchor bookshelves, wardrobes, and water heaters to walls. This prevents the majority of earthquake injuries from falling objects.
• Store an emergency kit accessibly. Keep it where you can grab it in 30 seconds: go-bag, water, medications, documents, flashlight.
• Know how to shut off your gas. After a major earthquake, gas leaks cause fires and explosions. Locate your main gas valve now and keep a wrench nearby.
• Agree on a family meeting point outside and away from your building, in case household members are separated during the quake.

Immediate Actions

When shaking begins:

1. Drop, Cover, Hold On. Drop to your hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy table or against an interior wall, hold on until shaking stops. Do not run.
2. Stay away from windows, exterior walls, and heavy objects. The majority of earthquake injuries come from falling glass and furniture.
3. If outdoors: move away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Get to open ground and stay there. Falling facades and overhead lines are the primary outdoor hazard.
4. If driving: pull over slowly away from overpasses, bridges, and buildings. Stay in the car until shaking stops, then proceed carefully.
5. Do not use elevators. Power may fail and doors may jam.
6. Stay put until the shaking fully stops. Do not run outside during shaking — doorways are not safer than other interior positions.

What to Avoid

• Do not stand in a doorway. This is an outdated myth. Doorframes offer no more protection than interior walls and leave you exposed to swinging doors and debris.
• Do not run outside during shaking. Most injuries occur when people try to move during shaking and are struck by falling objects.
• Do not use open flames after the quake until you have confirmed there are no gas leaks.
• Do not use elevators even after the shaking stops — aftershocks can restart and trap you.
• Do not re-enter damaged buildings until officially cleared by structural engineers or civil protection authorities.
• Do not spread rumors about upcoming major quakes. Aftershock prediction is scientifically unreliable. Trust official INFP and IGSU communications.

Supplies Needed

• Water: 3 liters per person per day for at least 3 days (pipes may be broken)
• Non-perishable food (3-day supply), manual can opener
• Flashlight with extra batteries (electrical systems may fail)
• First aid kit including tourniquets, gauze, and antiseptic
• Dust masks (N95) for protection from building debris and dust
• Heavy-duty gloves for handling debris
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes placed beside every bed (for broken glass)
• Adjustable wrench for shutting off gas valve
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for official updates
• Copies of documents in a waterproof bag (buildings may become inaccessible)
• Cash (banking systems may be disrupted)
• Whistle to signal for help if trapped

Recovery Steps

After shaking stops:

• Check yourself and others for injuries. Apply first aid to life-threatening injuries before addressing property damage. Do not move anyone with a suspected spinal injury.
• Expect aftershocks. After a major earthquake, aftershocks can be significant and may last days to weeks. Be ready to Drop, Cover, Hold On again.
• Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas, open windows, leave immediately, and do not use light switches or phones inside. Report from outside.
• Inspect your building cautiously. Look for cracked load-bearing walls, separated floor joints, or tilted structures before re-entering. When in doubt, stay out.
• Photograph all damage before any cleanup or repair — required for insurance and government assistance claims.
• Contact IGSU or local authorities to report trapped individuals, damaged buildings, and infrastructure failures (gas, electricity, water).
• Apply for disaster assistance. The Romanian government and EU funds provide emergency assistance after declared disasters. Register with local civil protection authorities.
• Professional structural assessment. Before permanently returning to your building, have it inspected by a licensed structural engineer, especially if it is an older or RS I/II classified building.