HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

March 1, 2010. Government Warning Issued for Chile

SOURCE: U.S. Department of State

U.S. Embassy Santiago issued the following Warden Message on February 27:

An earthquake shook central and southern Chile today (27 Feb 2010) for approximately 3 minutes. Reports are that the quake registered at 8.8 Richter at the epicenter 197 miles south of Santiago and 73 miles north of Concepcion. There have been no reports of American citizen fatalities or injuries. As telephone and email communication becomes dependable, we request that you contact family and friends in the US who may be worried about you. If internet and telephone services are not available, you may be able to contact people using SMS (Cell text message) or other forms of social media such as Twitter and Facebook.

If you are in need of assistance or aware of American citizens in need of assistance, contact local authorities, the U.S. Embassy in Santiago (tel: 330-3476, email santiagoamcit@state.gov) or the State Department in Washington at 1-888-407- 4747.

Chilean officials are asking that, unless there is an emergency need to leave, private citizens should remain in their homes, if not damaged, and stay off the roads.

The following is a link to the FEMA website with instructions for what to do after an earthquake: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_after.shtm. In short:

• Expect aftershocks. These secondary shock waves are usually less violent.

• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television. Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

• Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.

• Stay away from damaged areas. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

• Help injured or trapped persons. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance.

• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.

• Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.

• Inspect utilities: Check for gas leaks, look for electrical system damage, check for sewage and water lines damage.

U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.

Americans living or traveling in Chile are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Chile. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile, phone number 56-2-330 30 00, fax 56-2-330 30 05, U.S. Citizen Services Unit email: SantiagoAmcit@state.gov.