Many parts of Rwanda have felt tremors resulting from the latest eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The volcano erupted this past weekend. Areas closer to the volcano have been most affected, for example, Rubavu District, where the tremors have damaged infrastructure and peoples properties. Several services have been suspended after their premises were affected by the quakes. So far, seismic activity has been felt as far as Kigali which is over 160km away, therefore, it is important to know how to stay safe when such is happening. Here are ten safety tips that can assist you to be safe during an earthquake: 1. It is important to make sure that you are not in a building that is in a poor condition for example one that is too old, has cracks in its walls, or has potential falling debris. 2. When you are indoors during an earthquake, make sure you are in a place where you take cover, which is safe from any falling objects. Stay there until the shaking is over. For example, if you are at school, you can go under a steady piece of furniture. 3. It is advisable that you stay away from windows and shelves with heavy objects. This is because, during the shaking, such can be moved and end up injuring you, if you are close to them. 4. If you are in a wheelchair, lock the wheels. 5. Do not use elevators during an earthquake. 6. If you are close to the door of the house when the shaking starts, move out to an open place that does not have things that can fall on you. 7. If you are outdoor, try to go to an open area away from buildings and power cables. 8. If you are in a crowded public place, try to make sure that you don’t make rushed movements that pose a risk of being trampled on by other people. 9. If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a safe place off the road and park your vehicle until the shaking is over. The place where you park should not be under a tree or any other object that can potentially fall on you. If you are on a bus, stay in your seat until the bus stops. 10. Try to keep roads clear for rescue and emergency vehicles. In addition, during an earthquake, try to avoid bridges, overpasses, underpasses, buildings or anything that could collapse.
