Safety Guidelines
Life-saving actions before, during and after an earthquake
Back to earthquake alert hub
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BEFORE the earthquake
Prepare and anticipate
Secure your home
- Secure heavy furniture to walls
- Install latches on cabinets
- Store heavy objects low
- Locate shut-off points (gas, electricity, water)
- Identify protection zones (under solid table, load-bearing wall)
Prepare an emergency kit
- Drinking water (3L/person/day for 3 days)
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlight + batteries
- Battery radio
- First aid kit
- Essential medications
Plan with family
- Define a meeting point
- Write down emergency numbers
- Establish an evacuation plan
- Practice drills regularly
- Learn about local risks
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DURING the earthquake
React quickly - You have seconds
If you are indoors
- ⚡Stay inside - Don't go out
- ⚡Get under a solid table
- ⚡Or press against a load-bearing wall
- ⚡Stay away from windows and glazing
- ⚡Protect your head and neck
- ⚡Adopt the position: DROP, COVER, HOLD ON
If you are outdoors
- ⚡Move away from buildings
- ⚡Avoid power lines
- ⚡Avoid trees and poles
- ⚡Reach an open space
- ⚡Crouch and protect your head
If you are in a car
- ⚡Stop safely
- ⚡Avoid bridges and tunnels
- ⚡Stay in the vehicle
- ⚡Activate your hazard lights
- ⚡Wait for the tremors to end
✓
AFTER the earthquake
Stay vigilant - Aftershocks are possible
Immediate checks
- Check people around you
- Wear sturdy shoes (glass shards)
- Visually inspect your home
- Don't enter if structure is suspect
- Cut gas and electricity if in doubt
Stay informed
- Listen to radio for official instructions
- Reassure your loved ones
- Use phone only in emergency
- Follow authorities' instructions
- Prepare for aftershocks
Practical precautions
- Fill containers with water
- Don't light matches or lighters
- Use a flashlight
- Avoid elevators
- Report injured to emergency services
Emergency Numbers in Morocco
150
Civil Protection
19
Police
177
Gendarmerie
141
Emergency Medical Services
Recommended Emergency Kit
💧
Water
3L/person/day minimum for 3 days
🥫
Food
Canned goods, energy bars
🔦
Flashlight
With spare batteries
📻
Radio
Battery or hand-crank
🩹
First aid
Complete kit
💊
Medications
Ongoing treatments
📄
Documents
Copies of important papers
💵
Cash
In case of banking outage
TO DO
- Stay calm and keep composure
- Protect yourself under a solid table
- Protect your head and neck
- Cut energy sources after the shock
- Listen to radio for instructions
- Prepare for aftershocks
- Help people in difficulty
NOT TO DO
- Run outside during tremors
- Stand near windows
- Use elevators
- Light matches or lighters
- Overload phone lines
- Rush on stairs
- Ignore official instructions
Special Cases
At school
Get under desks. Follow teachers' instructions. Gather at designated meeting point.
At the beach
Immediately move away from coast. Reach higher ground. Tsunami risk after strong earthquake.
In mountains
Beware of falling rocks and landslides. Move away from cliffs. Avoid unstable areas.
Sources: Civil Protection, Moroccan Red Crescent, French Consulate