In an earthquake: drop, cover, hold on

When the shaking starts - Drop: go down on your knees so you are not thrown over. - Cover: under a sturdy table, head and neck covered with your arms. - Hold on: grip the table leg until the shaking stops.

Never - Do not run outside: most injuries come from falling bricks, glass and the crush at the door. - Never the lift. - Do not stand by windows, wardrobes or hanging fans.

When it stops - Leave by the stairs to open ground, away from buildings. - If you smell gas, touch no switch or stove; go out and call the Fire Service (102 / 999). - Expect aftershocks; do not go back into a cracked building.

Dhaka and Chattogram buildings Many buildings added floors beyond their design. Cracks in columns, a lean, a ground-floor wall knocked out for a shop: these are warning signs. Report them to RAJUK or the city corporation. Hold one drill with everyone in the building: the "earthquake drill at a school" template on this site works for a building too.

The family plan Agree where to meet if you are apart. If calls fail, try SMS. A litre of water and a torch by the bed.