Over 1,000 dead in a powerful earthquake that occurred tonight in Turkey and Syria (February 6, 2023) (Photo: Reuters)
The devastating earthquake that hit our neighbors Syria and Turkey tonight (2/6) was too close to our regions - and was even felt in different parts of the country with a slight intensity, fortunately for us, and without casualties.
Still, relying on luck is not a very successful work plan when it comes to life and death, certainly when it comes to the lives of our families and children. Earthquakes?
Is the building where I live earthquake resistant?
According to data published by the Home Front Command, the main cause of most casualties during earthquakes is the collapse of the building, which we don't know, where the people are: the residential building and the private house, the office building, the school, etc.
Therefore, one of the most important actions to take to increase preparedness for earthquakes is in the area of prevention - make sure that the building you live in meets the current requirements of the Israeli standard for the resistance of buildings to earthquakes - TI 413, from 1980. The
standard states the instructions according to All buildings in Israel must be built - in order to prevent as much as possible the collapse of the building during an earthquake. The standard has been updated several times over the years. The obligation to implement the standard is according to the Planning and Construction Regulations (Permit Application, Conditions and Fees), 1970.
Massive destruction in Turkey and Syria after the earthquake (February 6, 2023) (Photo: Reuters)
Therefore, buildings built after 1980 usually meet the requirements of the standard - and are expected to be resistant to the risk of collapse during an earthquake.
In addition, buildings built since 1992 usually include protected spaces, such as MMDs, which are made of massive concrete walls that improve the rigidity of the structure - and thus its durability.
Still, it is recommended to consult with a licensed structural engineer every few years, just to be sure - to confirm to you that your building is stable and ready for any earthquake that may come.
On the other hand, if you live in a building built before 1980 - you are much more exposed to the risk of collapse in an earthquake. The risk level will be considered higher in buildings with a height of 5 stories or more, buildings built on pillars ( blocks) and those built on a slope or close to it.
I live in a house built before 1980 - what should I do?
According to the directives of the Home Front Command - it is the duty of every citizen in the State of Israel to make sure that the building he lives in is indeed earthquake resistant.
Buildings that do not meet the standard, and in particular those built before 1980 - must be strengthened.
How do you strengthen?
First of all, it is important that you know that the responsibility for strengthening the house in which you live - is first and foremost yours.
This action will require you money and time, and the guiding consideration should be saving your life and that of your family.
Beyond your responsibility to act for this purpose - the Israeli government allows the provision of economic incentives to citizens in strengthening residential buildings through the "national outline plan for strengthening existing buildings against earthquakes" - or in short, TMA 38, which we all know, and offers the strengthening of the building through additional construction, or through evacuation-construction projects, that is, the demolition of the old building and the construction of a new one in its place.
If you are in doubt or not sure that you really want to start the process of TMA 38 - you can first of all contact a licensed structural engineer, for the purpose of performing a series of tests for the building's resistance to earthquakes, and act according to his conclusions.
An earthquake strikes and you are at home - what to do?
First of all, for the paranoid - if you want to be sure that it is indeed an earthquake, before you run in your underwear to a stairwell - you can receive an earthquake warning in the home command application and the horns.
Beyond that, especially nervous animals and a bed that begins to shake for no apparent reason - are considered frightening signs that indicate an earthquake is about to occur.
What to do?
Here are the instructions of the Home Front Command:
Devastating earthquake in Turkey (February 6, 2023) (Photo: Reuters)
If you are inside a building - and you have the possibility to go out into an open area in a few seconds - do so.
In the event that leaving at this speed is not an option for you, enter the emergency room in your home and leave the door and windows open, or go to the stairwell.
If you are sitting inside the house, in the emergency room or in any other room - you must sit in an inner corner of the room, or under a heavy piece of furniture, and protect your head with your hands.
If you managed to get out into the open space - stay as far away as possible from buildings, trees, electrical cables and basically anything that could fall or collapse and endanger you.
For more information and life-saving instructions, go to the national emergency portal of the Home Front Command.
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