Fire service issues safety guidelines as earthquakes jolts Bangladesh

The Fire Service and Civil Defense (FSCD) has called upon the public to remain calm and follow essential safety measures during earthquakes.

On Sunday, the fire service issued a safety guideline for the public to follow during earthquakes, following several tremors felt across almost all of Bangladesh, including a magnitude 5.7 tremor recorded at 10:38 am on 21 November 2025.

The fire service authorities have emphasised in their security advisory that collective awareness and preparedness can significantly reduce the impact of earthquakes.

“For emergency assistance, the public is reminded to contact the Fire Service and Civil Defense Hotline at 102,” it said.

According to the advisory, citizens should “stay calm and avoid panic” at the first sign of an earthquake.

Those on the ground floor of any building are advised to exit quickly and take shelter in an open area.

For individuals in multi-storey buildings, the Fire Service recommends the Drop-Cover-Hold technique: drop down to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on tightly.

People may also take shelter beside a column or under a beam and if possible, protect their heads with pillows, cushions, or similar objects.

Residents are urged not to use elevators during an earthquake. Whenever the shaking stops, electrical and gas connections should be turned off immediately.

People should also stay away from verandas, balconies, windows, bookshelves, cupboards, wooden furniture, or any heavy hanging objects.

It is further recommended to keep torches, helmets, emergency medicines, and whistles close at hand.

Those who are outdoors should move to an open area, avoiding trees, tall buildings, and electric poles.

If inside a vehicle, drivers should stop in a safe, open location away from overbridges, flyovers, trees, and electric poles and remain inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.

The Fire Service also warned that aftershocks may follow the initial quake.

People should therefore avoid damaged buildings, bridges, and infrastructure, as these structures may collapse further during subsequent tremors.