After the magnitude 7.4 earthquake recorded in Colombia on the morning of Monday, August 10, questions returned about what to do during an earthquake when inside a building.
A member of the Mexican Topos shared on social media recommendations based on his experience as a rescuer and explained in which situations a person could try to evacuate and when it would be preferable to stay inside the structure.
On which floors could you evacuate during an earthquake?
The member of the Mexican Topos pointed out that those who are on the first, second, or third floor could go out to the street if conditions allow leaving the building safely.
According to his explanation, from these levels there would be greater chances of completing the evacuation before a possible collapse.
The ’30 seconds’ rule for those on the fourth or fifth floor
For people located on the fourth or fifth floor, the rescuer proposed an additional condition: try to go down only when it is possible to complete the route to the exit in less than 30 seconds and without running.
The recommendation aims to prevent people from staying too long on stairs or circulation areas while the movement continues, where detachments or other risks could occur.
What to do during an earthquake if you are on a high floor?
For those above the fifth floor, the rescuer recommended not trying to go down while the earthquake is happening. He explained that going through many levels can increase exposure to detachments on stairs, roofs, or other building components.
@yosoyscarkis What to do if an earthquake catches you in a building? 🏢🚨 Basic evacuation rules according to your floor, explained by the experts from @toposmx. 💬 On which floor would an earthquake find you? I read you in the comments! #Prevention #Earthquakes #HomeSafety #topos #earthquake ♬ original sound – yosoyscarkis
Is it safe to go to the patio during an earthquake?
As an alternative for those on upper levels, the Topos member mentioned the possibility of heading to the patio.
However, he specified that this option would depend on the access being safe and that there are no objects, installations, or materials in that space capable of falling, exploding, or causing injuries.
What to do with the elevator and in the patio during an earthquake?
- Do not use the elevator during the earthquake: it can stop at any moment and trap people inside.
- If you are in the patio: move away from edges, low walls, and any object that could fall. Wait for the movement to end and only then check if it is safe to go down to an interior area.
El Universal (Mexico) / GDA.
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*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from El Universal (GDA), and was reviewed by the journalist.