KARACHI, Oct 12: Experts at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) Karachi have issued guidelines for people in case of any earthquake in the city.

According to a set of guidelines issued to the media on Wednesday, experts said people should minimize their movements during an earthquake to a few steps to a nearby safe place.

If a person is inside a room, he should take cover under a study desk, table or bench or against an inside wall and hold on. He or she should stay away from glass, windows outside doors or walls and anything that can fall such as lighting fixtures.

If he or she is in bed, they should stay there and protect their head with a pillow unless they are under a heavy light fixture that can possibly fall.

In case the persons are outdoors, they should stay there, and try to move away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires.

If a person lives in an apartment building or other multi-household structure with many levels, he or she should get under a desk and stay away from windows and outside walls.

He or she should stay in the building (many injuries occur as people try to flee a building and are struck by falling debris from above).

They should beware that electricity may go out and sprinkler systems may come on.

In case people are in a crowded indoor public location, they should move away from tall shelves, cabinets and bookcases containing objects that may fall on them. They should take cover and grab something to shield their head and face from falling debris and glass.

If a person is in a moving vehicle, he should stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle and avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses or utility wires. Then proceed cautiously, watching for road and bridge damage.

If a person has been trapped in debris, he or she should cover their mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. They should tap on a pipe pr wall so rescuers can locate them.

They should use a whistle if one is available, and shout only as a last resort, as shouting can cause them inhale dangerous amounts of dust.—PPI