Join Portugal's 'A Terra Treme' Drill: Protect Yourself in Just 1 Minute During an Earthquake

Public Earthquake Drill Engages Portuguese Population

Today, the Portuguese Civil Protection is challenging the public to participate in a nationwide earthquake awareness exercise called 'A Terra Treme' (www.aterratreme.pt). Scheduled for 11:05 AM, this annual event, organized by the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) in partnership with various public and private entities, aims to empower people with knowledge on how to act during an earthquake.

Key Actions to Take

The exercise focuses on three simple yet crucial gestures: lower yourself, protect yourself, and wait. These actions are designed to significantly improve safety for anyone practicing them when a seismic event occurs. According to ANEPC, the drill lasts only one minute and encourages participation from individuals, families, schools, businesses, and organizations to perform these self-protection measures.

Broader Educational Goals

ANEPC's initiative seeks to educate the population on preventive measures and self-protection behaviors before, during, and after an earthquake. This year marks the 13th edition of the exercise, held annually on November 5th, which aligns with World Tsunami Awareness Day and comes just four days after the 270th anniversary of the great 1755 earthquake in Portugal.

Nationwide Sensitization Efforts

Across the country, Regional and Sub-regional Commands of Emergency and Civil Protection, in collaboration with educational communities, municipal civil protection services, fire departments, and other civil protection agents, are conducting awareness campaigns on seismic risks. The main event for this edition will take place at the Professor Reynaldo dos Santos School Group in Vila Franca de Xira, featuring the presence of ANEPC President José Manuel Moura.