Earthquake drill, what to do in case of earthquake

Tomorrow, the Home Front Command will begin Turning Point 6, an earthquake drill across Israel. It’s time to practice what to do in case of an earthquake!

Turning Point 6
Turning Point 6 (נקודת מפנה 6 / nekudat mifne shesh) is the sixth annual exercise led by the Home Front Command (פיקוד העורף / Pikud HaOref) involving the police, fire, Magen David Adom, municipalities, and others in preparation for a national emergency.  For the first time, these exercises will be in preparation for an earthquake.

When is it, and how will I know it’s happening?
At 11:00 and 19:00 on 21 October 2012, civilians will be alerted through notification on television (channels 1, 2, 10, 23, and 33), radio, and SMS via the “Personal Message” (מסר אישי / messer ishi) system.  For more information on the Personal Message system, including which cellular providers and phones support it, read the Home Front Command’s English PDF on it.

What will happen?  What should I do in case of an earthquake?
Everyone is expected to act as they would if such an emergency actually happened.  For example, schoolchildren will be taken out of their classroom to open areas.

In case of earthquake, you should react based on your location.

• Indoors
  • If you can get outside within a few seconds, do so.
  • If you can’t get outside, head to your protected room (ממ”ד / mamad).
  • If you don’t have a protected room, head to a staircase.
  • If you can’t make it to any of these, take cover under a piece of heavy furniture such as a table or against an inner wall of a room.
• Outdoors: Stay there, and beware of falling objects.
• In a vehicle: Pull over and wait inside.  Stay away from bridges, overpasses, or sharp slopes.
• Sea shore: Leave to avoid a tsunami wave.

It’s possible your workplace won’t participate in the drill even though they’re supposed to.  Stay safe, and enjoy the break in routine!