Earthquake Safety & Support for the STRI Community
Emergency contacts, employee assistance and earthquake resources for the STRI community.
Need to report an emergency
Call the OPS-STRI Control Room
Who do I contact if I…
Need to report an emergency
Call the OPS-STRI Control Room at (507) 212-8911 / (507) 212-8211 / (507) 6615-9191 and report:
- Location: facility, building, laboratory, office, workshop, or outdoor area (road, trail, coordinates, or landmark).
- Type of emergency: medical, vehicular accident, fire, spill, maintenance, etc.
- Assistance required: doctor/ambulance, emergency brigade or other resource.
- Name and telephone number of the caller.
- Name and telephone number of the patient or affected person, if applicable.
Have a non-emergency facility issue or concern
For non-emergency requests, members of the STRI community should follow this procedure:
- Report the issue: Contact the facility’s Scientific Coordinator by phone or email to report the maintenance need.
- Submit the request by email: The Scientific Coordinator or any STRI staff member emails stri-tririga@si.edu, copying STRI-Admin-Team@si.edu.
- Enter the request in TRIRIGA: A member of the STRI Admin Team logs into the TRIRIGA platform and enters the maintenance request for processing.
In 3 steps
What to do in an earthquake
-
Step 1 · While the ground is shaking
Drop, Cover, and Hold On
- Take cover under a sturdy table if one is nearby.
- Stay away from windows, glass, shelving, and falling objects.
- Do not run for the exits or use elevators.
-
Step 2 · After the shaking stops
Check for hazards before moving
- Expect aftershocks. Drop, Cover, and Hold On again if shaking resumes.
- Do not enter visibly damaged buildings until qualified personnel assess them.
- Stay clear of fallen power lines, broken glass, debris, gas leaks, and restricted areas.
-
Step 3 · Get help
Check for injuries
For a life-threatening emergency, immediately call the OPS-STRI Control Room:
Use text messages when phone networks are congested. Save calls for emergencies.
If you are near the coast: if shaking is strong or prolonged, leave the coast immediately for higher ground or farther inland.
See the full guide
A practical guide · A guide for Panama
Ready for an Earthquake
For you, your family, and our community
Practical steps to prepare, stay safe, and support one another before, during, and after an earthquake. Includes practical checklists, a family contact plan, and a directory of medical facilities in Panama.
Report earthquake damage at home or in your community
The University of Panama’s Institute of Geosciences (IGC-UP) is collecting reports of damage from the October 9 M7.5 earthquake on the Azuero Peninsula. The form takes two minutes and lets you attach photos and mark the location.
You can report:
- Cracks, sinking or uplift of the ground.
- Damage to houses, walls, façades or roofs.
- Landslides and rockfalls.
Open the IGC-UP form (in Spanish)
The form is in Spanish. Report only from a safe place. If anyone is injured or trapped, call 911. For damage at STRI facilities, see Who do I contact if I…
Video · FEMA
When The Earth Shakes
A short animated video from FEMA, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency. It asks how prepared you are when the ground moves and things start to fall, and helps you get ready for an earthquake.
Other earthquake resources
- Instituto de Geociencias de la Universidad de Panamá (in Spanish)
- Safety Guidelines: During an Earthquake
- Safety Guidelines: After an Earthquake
- Red Cross: Earthquake Preparedness Checklist (English) (PDF)
- Red Cross: Earthquake Preparedness Checklist (Español) (PDF)
- SERVIR.net: earthquake, hurricane and storm monitoring (in Spanish)
Current earthquake news
Follow developing coverage from Panamanian and international newsrooms. Reports may change as authorities confirm new information.
For safety decisions, rely on official emergency guidance rather than news reports.
National news sources
After an earthquake: emotional support
Open the English PDF (PDF)
Read the flyer text
After an earthquake: take care of your emotional health
Recommendations from Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (SMAPS).
It is normal to feel afraid, anxious, or uncertain after an earthquake. It is expected that some people may remain more alert or experience fear about possible aftershocks. Taking care of your emotional well-being is also important.
1. Recognize and validate what you feel
- It is normal to feel fear, anxiety, nervousness, sadness, anger, or confusion.
- These are natural reactions to a difficult situation.
- Give yourself permission to feel and acknowledge what you are experiencing.
2. Breathing with a prolonged exhalation (3-5)
- Inhale gently through your nose for 3 seconds.
- Exhale slowly for 4 or 5 seconds.
- Repeat several times, without forcing your breath and at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
3. Connect with the present moment: 5-4-3-2-1 technique
Look around you and name:
- 5 things you can see
- 4 things you can touch
- 3 things you can hear
- 2 things you can smell
- 1 thing you can taste
This technique helps you return to the present moment and reduce anxiety.
4. Relax your body
- Tense your shoulders for 5 seconds and release.
- Breathe deeply.
- Relax your jaw.
- Loosen your hands and legs.
- Do gentle stretching movements.
5. Find a safe and calm space
- If possible, stay in a safe space with minimal stimuli.
- Limit your exposure to news or social media.
- Listen to music that helps you relax.
6. Listen and support without judgment
- Allow the person to express what they are feeling.
- Listen with empathy and without interrupting.
- Avoid giving advice or making judgments.
- Sometimes your presence and attentive listening can make a big difference.
7. Provide support to children, adolescents, older adults, and others who may need it
- Listen to their concerns and validate their emotions.
- Reassure them that they are safe and well accompanied.
- Provide clear and simple information.
- Maintain routines and activities that promote calm (games, reading, drawing, etc.).
8. When to seek additional support
It is important to seek support from a mental health professional after an earthquake if you notice:
- Anxiety or intense fear that does not decrease.
- Difficulty sleeping for several days.
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability.
- Difficulty performing your daily activities.
- Significant changes in the behavior of children, adolescents, older adults, or other people you care for.
Remember
- It is normal to feel affected after an earthquake.
- You are not alone. Seek and offer support.
- Take care of yourself so you can also take care of others.
- Your emotional well-being is part of the recovery.
- Talk, breathe, rest, and connect with others to help overcome this situation together.
Caring for our emotional health helps us recover together.
Original content: SMAPS. Technical review and adaptation: María del Pilar Leis, PhD.
Employee Assistance Program
The Smithsonian Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available at no cost to all Smithsonian employees and academic appointees, including fellows, research associates, post-docs, and interns. Professional counselors can help address personal or workplace concerns that may affect job performance, reliability, or personal health.
Smithsonian EAP counselors (English Speakers)
Debbie Burney
Karen Howard
Panama STRI EAP counselor (Spanish and English)
Dr. María del Pilar Leis, PhD(c)
Psychogerontologist and Specialist in Aging and Dementia
INOVA Employee Assistance
The Smithsonian Institution partners with INOVA Employee Assistance for enhanced support with workplace and family issues.
How to access INOVA EAP
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Spanish and English
