Major earthquakes in the area surrounding Israel happen on average once every 80 years. The last one occurred over a century ago, which means the next big tremor is not a question of "if," but "when."
In light of the devastatingly deadly earthquake that hit Turkey early on Monday, the IDF Home Front Command rushed to issue its detailed life-saving instructions, explaining what to do in the case the natural disaster strikes.
Excerpts of footage documenting the earthquake in Israel
(Yossi Stern, Shimon Seroussi, Limor Segalovitz, Pini Netrevitz, Henia Boliyai, Omer Shadiv, Arie Shmilovitz, Dudi Schwartzberg)
Instructions for what to do during an earthquake differ, depending on where the natural disaster finds you.
If you are inside a building: If you can, go out into the open space. If you cannot exist the building within seconds, enter the building's reinforced security room (mammad), and leave all doors and windows open. Another option is to go out into the main staircase and exit the building through there. If none of the prior options are possible, you should sit in an inner corner of a room, or under a heavy piece of furniture, while covering your head with your hands.
If you are outdoors: Stay in the open space and distance yourself from buildings, trees, electricity cables, and any objects that may fall or endanger you.
If you are in a vehicle: Stop the vehicle on the side of the road, and wait inside until the earthquake passes. Avoid stropping under a bridge or at an interchange.
If you are at a beach: Distance yourself at least 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) away from the beach, in case a tsunami is on its way. If you cannot leave the area, enter the nearest building and go up at least four floors.
The Home Front Command recommends all Israelis download its app, through which it sends out earthquake warnings and alerts.