Activities of the Swiss Seismological Service
- Earthquakes can neither be predicted nor prevented
- On average, Switzerland experiences two earthquakes every day
- Each year, approximately ten of these earthquakes are strong enough to be felt by the population (from a magnitude of around 2.5 and above)
Activities of the Swiss Seismological Service
- Data is recorded around the clock by more than 100 seismic monitoring stations in Switzerland, and is sent to the Seismological Service in real time
- Here, the data is analyzed, and, if necessary, an earthquake notification is triggered
What to do DURING an earthquake, outside
- Stay outside, do not seek shelter in a building
- Keep away from buildings, bridges, electricity pylons, large trees, and other things that could collapse or fall
- Keep away from the shores of bodies of water
What to do DURING an earthquake, in a vehicle
- Stop the vehicle and do not leave it during the quake
- Do not stop on a bridge, at an underpass, or in a tunnel, and keep away from buildings at the side of the road (danger of collapse)
What to do DURING an earthquake, inside a building
- Take cover (e.g. under a sturdy table)
- Beware of falling objects and keep away from windows and glass walls, which may shatter
- Only leave the building when the surrounding area is safe
What to do BEFORE an earthquake
- Prepare an emergency kit containing emergency provisions (especially water), torch, battery-powered radio, first-aid box, emergency medication, cash, and copies of important documents
- Make sure that objects that could fall down or topple over on account of the shaking, and thereby cause injuries, are secured
- Find out where you can turn off the gas, power, and water supplies
What to do BEFORE an earthquake
- Earthquake-resistant building design offers the best protection against the consequences of an earthquake. The primary goal of this type of design is to prevent the collapse of a building and thereby avoid fatalities and injuries. Do you know whether the building in which you live or work is earthquake resistant?
- Taking out earthquake insurance is another option for reducing your personal (financial) risk
What to do AFTER an earthquake
- Be prepared for power cuts (trains, elevators, light, electronic devices, etc.)
What to do AFTER an earthquake
- No individual travel by car (roads should be kept free for emergency services)
What to do AFTER an earthquake
- Be ready for aftershocks
- Check the building for damage, and, if necessary, leave with caution (danger of collapse)
- Check the building and surrounding area for potential fires, and, if possible, extinguish these or alert the fire service
- Check water and gas pipes and electrical wiring for damage. Turn off supply if suspected damage is found
What to do AFTER an earthquake
- Seek information from radio, television, or Internet
- Only make phone calls in emergencies (danger of network overload)
What to do AFTER an earthquake
- Follow the instructions of emergency service personnel
Activities of the Swiss Seismological Service
- As soon as an earthquake is identified, the Seismological Service automatically publishes details on its website regarding the time, location, strength, and possible impact of the earthquake
Activities of the Swiss Seismological Service
- The Swiss Seismological Service provides the population, media, and authorities with up-to-date information on the earthquake as well as regarding the danger of aftershocks
- The 24-hour on-call service of the Seismological Service coordinates additional measures, and is available to the authorities, media, and general public for the provision of individual details
Activities of the Swiss Seismological Service
- In the case of a major earthquake (magnitude of around 5.5 and above), the Seismological Service works together with various authorities at federal, cantonal, and municipal level