Govt issues public safety guidelines for earthquakes

Amid frequent tremors in the last couple of days, the government yesterday issued a 12-point guideline to protect people's lives and property in earthquakes.

The government advised people not to panic if an earthquake hits and take shelter beneath a table, desk or any hard furniture after covering the head with a pillow.

People must switch off the gas stove and stay away from the kitchen.

School students must take shelter beneath hard furniture keeping their schoolbag on their heads.

If a person is outside then he or she must stay in an open place away from electric poles, high rises and trees.

It advised people in factories, hospitals, shopping malls and cinema halls not to crowd entry and exit points. Rather, they should stay where they are covering their heads with hands.

People living in high rises should avoid lifts during an earthquake and all must keep a radio, torchlight and first aid kits at their homes or offices.

Finally, the government urged all to build houses following building codes.