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Earthquake safety: what to do if the ground starts shaking
As tremors continue across the province, authorities have issued practical guidance on how to stay safe before, during and after a seismic event
With Granada's seismic activity showing little sign of easing, authorities have used the ongoing situation as an opportunity to issue clear guidance on how residents should respond if caught in an earthquake, whether indoors, outside, or even behind the wheel. The Government Sub-delegation has called for calm while stressing that awareness of basic earthquake protection measures is essential, particularly given that the Granada basin is one of the most seismically active areas in the entire Iberian Peninsula.Three people were injured and five buildings evacuated during Tuesday morning's fresh activity, which began at 10.37am with its epicentre in Gójar, underlining once again that this is not a theoretical concern for local residents. Saturday's 4.8 magnitude quake and the 98 aftershocks that followed through the night had already put the province on high alert.
If the shaking starts
Deputy Government Delegate José Antonio Montilla was clear about what to do if caught outside. "Move away from buildings, walls, and utility poles," he said, warning that facade elements can fall and cause serious injury. "And if you are inside your home, move to the most protected areas: on lintels, load-bearing walls, or under sturdy furniture."
The National Geographic Institute recommends crouching down and covering your head, moving away from windows, lamps and loose furniture. Drivers caught on the road should pull over safely and stay in the vehicle until the tremor passes. Authorities also advise households to agree on a plan of action in advance, identifying safe zones and emergency exits within the home before any earthquake strikes.
Once it stops
A significant number of injuries occur after a quake has ended, often due to aftershocks, structural collapses or the simple absence of basic emergency supplies. Once the shaking stops, stay calm and proceed carefully. Turn off water, gas and electricity if it's safe to do so. Leave any building via the stairs, never a lift. Avoid entering damaged structures, and use a torch rather than candles or open flames, which could start a fire.
Injured people should not be moved unless there is immediate danger. Anyone trapped should cover their mouth and nose against dust, avoid shouting unnecessarily and make noise by banging on something to alert rescue teams.
Keeping mobile phone use to a minimum in the immediate aftermath also matters, to avoid overloading networks and keep emergency lines clear for those who need them most.
Authorities recommend keeping a basic emergency kit at home: first aid supplies, bottled water, non-perishable food, a torch, a battery-powered radio, a whistle and a fire extinguisher. In a region with Granada's seismic history, it's simply sensible preparation.Image: granada.org/wprotcivil
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