With the current global crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency protocols and the way to deal with a natural phenomenon, in this case, an earthquake, may change.

So, how to deal with a tremor or earthquake in full confinement?

In times of pandemic, risk strategies must be combined because people face the dangers inherent in natural disaster.

Although it is necessary to make the standard precautions applied in evacuation drills, some behaviors must be modified.

Experts in Public Health say that in this type of situation survival prevails, so worrying about going out with a lid, for example, would take a back seat.

It is recommended, however, to keep physical distancing as much as possible.

Although in a natural disaster there are mediate risks, such as contagion, and other immediate ones, such as the fall of a wall; the person must take precautions and not return to the building for personal biosecurity elements (bottle caps, antibacterial gel, among others).

As different situations in life, one cannot avoid the earthquake, but one can prepare.

For this, it is important to know our buildings, as well as identify the risks and differentiate between fissures, cracks or serious damage.

For example, a crack of considerable thickness diagonally, in a column or in a structural wall is cause for alarm, while a crack of very little thickness can simply be a sign of minor damage to materials due to service conditions or even minor sismos.

After the earthquake:

• Wash your hands or use antibacterial gel to then check your home.
• Don't make a fire until you make sure there are no gas leaks.
• Use the phone only for emergencies.
• Stay informed and follow the recommendations of the authorities.
• Stay alert in case of aftershocks.