Response to earthquakes and eruptions
Earthquakes
What to do during an earthquake
Earthquake preparation at home matters, since earthquakes rarely give any warning, and it can make all the difference in reducing injuries and damage. Here are some helpful tips:
Getting your home ready:
Secure cabinets, shelves, and heavy items to the floor or walls. Keep the wheels on furniture locked at all times. If the wheels don't lock, fit a frame around them to stop the furniture moving during an earthquake. Keep in mind, though, that a frame or locked wheels won't stop furniture from tipping over.
Don't keep heavy items high up on shelves or walls unless they're securely fastened. Museum putty can help keep lighter items from shifting during a quake.
Secure heaters and radiators. Make sure you know where your water shut-off and electrical panel are.
Fasten pictures and light fixtures with closed loops.
Store heavy tableware in lower cabinets and drawers, and fit safety or child locks on cabinet doors to stop the contents falling out.
Make sure nothing can fall onto beds or sleeping areas.
Secure suspended ceilings and raised floors properly.
Cover windows or apply safety film to the glass to prevent flying shards if a window breaks. Don't place beds under windows in earthquake-prone areas.
Listen for announcements and instructions on the radio, and remember: Drop, cover, hold on.
If you're indoors when an earthquake starts - don't run outside:
Stay where you are; many injuries happen when people run.
Get under a table or bed and hold onto a leg of it.
Crouch in a corner against a load-bearing wall, or in a doorway in a load-bearing wall.
Protect your head and face with a pillow if you wake up during an earthquake.
Stay away from windows -they can break.
Let people know you're okay by text once the shaking stops.
If you're outdoors when you feel an earthquake - don't run inside:
Stay outside.
Keep away from tall buildings that could collapse, and tall trees.
Rockfall, landslides, and avalanches can come down from slopes and hillsides.
Power lines can be dangerous - avoid touching them.
Try to reach an open area away from buildings.
If you're driving when you feel an earthquake:
Pull over and stop. Roads and bridges can be damaged in an earthquake.
Keep your seatbelt on.
Stay in the car - it can protect you from debris thrown up during the earthquake. Listen to the radio, as it's usually the first source of information.
More detailed guidance on earthquake preparedness and response is available on the Icelandic Civil Protection website.
Volcanic Eruptions
During a volcanic eruption, it's important to follow instructions and guidance from Civil Protection. Eruptions can pose serious risks, both from gas pollution and ashfall. Check the situation before heading out to see the eruption for yourself.
Responding to ashfall
Get out of the ashfall by the shortest route, moving across the wind direction.
Close doors and windows. Seal windows if needed.
Place damp towels along thresholds and other gaps to block drafts.
Protect your face - for example with a mask, cloth, or clothing. Wear eye protection if you need to be outside in falling ash.
Disconnect downpipes from gutters to stop drains getting blocked.
If you have a heart or lung condition, it's best to stay indoors and avoid contact with the ash.
Responding to damage
Remember, if it's an emergency, contact 112 immediately.
If not, take whatever steps you can to reduce the damage, while still being careful.
Once you've responded to the immediate situation, the next step is to report the damage to us.
Sending photos with your claim can help speed up processing.
Assessment of the damage or repairs won't begin until the weather has settled. It needs to be safe for the public to be out and about so that claims adjusters can reach the site.
Once damage has been reported, our staff will get in touch as soon as possible to begin handling the case.
If you urgently need help with damage, you can also call our emergency line on 514 1099, open around the clock.
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