Chile: Land of poets, wine… and earthquakes! How to act when the ground moves
Hello, future traveler! 🇨🇱✈️
If you're about to come to Chile for your university exchange—or if you've just arrived—you probably already have images of the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, good wine, and reggaeton in the background. But there's something else that's part of the Chilean DNA: tremors and earthquakes.
Don't panic. In Chile, the ground moves… a lot. But it's also one of the best-prepared countries in the world to face it. Here, it's not a matter of “if” it will happen, but “when”. That’s why we want this blog to be your trusted guide, so you know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. Take it easy! With information and practice, you'll get around Chile like a true local.
BEFORE: Preparation is your best friend
Chileans grew up with school drills and the "emergency backpack" always ready. You can prepare too, with these steps:
1. Identify safe zones ✅
At your home or university residence: corners where structural pillars are, door frames (careful! only if they're made of concrete), under sturdy tables.
On the street: stay away from windows, cornices, lampposts, and power lines.
2. Pack your “emergency backpack” 🎒
Always have a backpack ready with:
Bottled water and non-perishable snacks (granola bars, crackers).
Flashlight, batteries, and a battery-powered radio (your phone might run out of battery).
Copies of your documents (passport, visa, university ID) in a waterproof bag.
Portable charger and cash in small bills.
Any medication you take (if you have a prescription, bring a copy).
3. Talk with your family or roommates 🗣️
Ask: “What do we do if it shakes?” That way everyone knows how to act. Coordinate a meeting point.
DURING: Stay calm, it's not a drill (or maybe it is)
Chile is a seismic country, so you'll likely feel your first tremor within the first week. The key: DON'T RUN, DON'T SHOUT, DON'T PUSH. Earthquakes here can last seconds… or more than a minute.
If you're inside a building 🏢
Stay away from windows, mirrors, and furniture that could fall.
Drop, cover, and hold on. The classic position is under a sturdy table, knees to your chest, and both hands protecting your head and neck.
If there's no table, sit on the floor next to a solid piece of furniture (fetal position) and cover your head with your arms.
If you're on the street 🏃♂️
Move away from building facades, lampposts, trees, and power lines.
If possible, head to an open space or look for a safe zone.
If you're driving or on a bus 🚗
Slow down and pull over in a safe spot, away from poles and tunnels.
Stay inside the vehicle until the movement stops.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: DON'T use elevators. DON'T rush out in a stampede. DON'T make calls unless it's a real emergency (phone lines get saturated). Use text messages or WhatsApp instead.
AFTER: Assess, help, and carry on
When the ground stops moving, it's not over. There may be aftershocks, power outages, or tsunami alerts (only on the coast).
1. Check your surroundings 🧯
Check if anyone around you is injured. If someone is seriously hurt, call 131 (ambulance).
Turn off the gas and electricity if you smell gas or see sparks.
Open doors and windows to ensure a quick exit if needed.
2. Stay informed through official channels 📻
Tune in to Radio Cooperativa, ADN, or TVN. Chilean radio stations are experts at broadcasting during emergencies.
Check Twitter/X accounts like @onemichile and @senapred. Avoid spreading fake chains.
3. Help and be helped 🤝
Chileans tend to organize quickly. If you see an elderly neighbor or someone with reduced mobility, ask if they need help.
If you're at university, they definitely have a protocol. Follow instructions from professors or staff.
📌 Final tips from a Chilean to you
Don't make fun of others' nerves. Everyone reacts differently. Some get scared by a mild tremor, others don't even flinch.
Download the SENAPRED app. You'll receive alerts for earthquakes, tsunamis, and other emergencies.
Make the most of your time here. Chile is amazing—don't let fear of earthquakes hold you back. We Chileans go right back to our normal lives after a tremor… and we even laugh about it with memes seconds later!
✨ Remember: Being informed is the first step to feeling safe. Experiencing an earthquake in Chile will be a story you tell for years—and if you follow these tips, you'll tell it with the peace of mind that you knew exactly how to react.
Welcome to Chile! May your exchange be full of learning, friends, and… controlled earthquakes! 🌎💪🏻
Got more questions? Drop them in the comments. We're here to help!
