Italy is a seismic country

In the last thousand years, about 3,000 earthquakes have caused damage of varying severity. Almost 300 of these (with a magnitude greater than 5.5) have had destructive effects and even one every decade has had a catastrophic impact with an energy comparable to the earthquake of 2009. All the Italian towns can be damaged by earthquakes, But the strongest earthquakes are concentrated in some very specific areas: in the North-Eastern (Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto), in western Liguria, in the Northern Apennines (from Garfagnana to Rimini), and especially along the Central Apennines and South, in Calabria and Sicily. Although you live in a dangerous area, where in the past already occurred earthquakes or if the effects are felt. And this will happen again in the future.

What happens to a building?

An earthquake causes fluctuations, more or less strong, shaking buildings in various ways. The oscillations are more harmful than horizontal. The oldest buildings and those not designed to withstand the earthquake can not withstand such fluctuations, and therefore pose a danger to people. It is the collapse of the houses that kills, not the earthquake. Today, all new buildings must be constructed in compliance with the seismic regulations.

The next earthquake will damage?

It depends primarily on the strength of the earthquake (it occur thousands every year, most of modest energy) and the vulnerability of buildings. In the area you live in the past earthquakes they have caused damage to property and people. It is possible that the next major earthquake damage face: for this is important to find out, do prevention and be prepared for a possible earthquake.

When the next earthquake?

No one knows, because it could happen at any time. Earthquakes know many things, but it is not yet possible to predict with certainty when, with what force and precisely where will occur. We know, however, what they are the most dangerous areas and what can we expect from a shock: being prepared is the best way to prevent and reduce the consequences of an earthquake.

The effects of an earthquake are the same everywhere?

On an equal distance from the epicenter, the intensity of the shaking caused by the earthquake depends on the conditions of the territory, in particular the type of terrain and the shape of the landscape. Typically, the shaking is greater in areas where the soil is soft, less rigid on the land as a rock; also the location has effects on the intensity of the shaking, which is greater on the top of the reliefs and along the edges of embankments.

What does the state to help?

In 2009, after the earthquake in L'Aquila, the state has launched a national plan for the prevention of seismic, which provides for the allocation to the regions of around one billion Euros in seven years with different purposes:

• investigation of seismic micro-zoning, to identify areas that can amplify the shaking of the earthquake;
• interventions for safer public buildings strategic and relevant;
• incentives for seismic upgrading of private buildings.

In which area you live ?

Italy is a country full earthquake, but its territory is classified into zones with different hazards. Who builds or modifies the structure of the house is required to comply with seismic standards in your area, to protect the lives of those who live there. To learn about the seismic zone in which you live and what are the standards to be met, talk to the relevant departments in your region or your municipality.

Safe in your home

It is important to know when and how it was built your home, what type of soil, with what materials. And especially if it was subsequently amended in compliance with the seismic standards. If you have any doubt or want to know more, you can contact the technical department of your local authority or to a trusted technician.

ARE YOU PREPARED?

During an earthquake

• If you are in a closed, put under a beam, in a doorway or near a load bearing wall.
• Watch out for things that could fall and hit you (plaster, ceilings, windows, furniture, etc.).
• Pay attention to the use of the stairs: they are often very resistant and can be damaged.
• Better to avoid the elevator: you can block.
• Pay attention to other possible consequences of the earthquake: the collapse of bridges, landslides, gas leaks etc.
• If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, power lines and you could be hit by vases, tiles and other materials that fall.

After an earthquake

• Make sure the health of those around you and, if necessary, providing first aid.
• Come out with prudence, with shoes: you may hurt you in the street with broken glass.
• If you are in a tsunami hazard zone, away from the beach and reach a high place.
• Reach the waiting areas of the Plan or the Municipal Civil Protection.
• Limited, as far as possible, the use of the phone.
• Restricts the use of the car to avoid hampering the passage of emergency vehicles.

(SOURCE "I DO NOT RISK" - Good Practice of Civil Protection - http://www.iononrischio.it)