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During an earthquake, remember to drop, cover, and hang on. Move away from unsupported areas and windows indoors, and to open areas outdoors. After the quake, evacuate buildings and be aware of gas, electricity, and water lines. Have an earthquake plan with emergency supplies and a central meeting place.
A major earthquake can be a traumatic experience and it is easy to forget safety measures in the midst of the chaos. Luckily, most earthquake safety measures are common sense, but if you forget all else, remember the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s guidance: drop, cover, and hang on. Also keep in mind that most earthquake fatalities occur after the quake strikes, so remember that the danger doesn’t end when the shaking does!
If you are indoors during an earthquake, move away from unsupported areas and windows. Try to get under a door or other area of the building that is supported by strong beams. Only take cover under a table or desk if it is very sturdy, otherwise it could collapse on you. Don’t rush to exits or elevators, as it’s much safer to stay where you are. Protect your head by wrapping your arms around it and folding into a ball, and wait for the shaking to stop.
If you are outdoors during an earthquake, move to as open an area as possible. Avoid buildings, light poles, and other objects that could fall during an earthquake and injure you. Protect your head and stay low until the shaking stops and you can move around safely. If you are in a motor vehicle, stop it as quickly as possible, avoiding bridges and overpasses.
After an earthquake, keep in mind that many buildings are destabilized, even though they appear safe. If you are indoors, evacuate the building in an orderly manner and assist any disabled or injured persons. Once in the open, move away from the building so that if it collapses, you won’t be injured by the debris. Wait for public safety officials to indicate that it is safe to stay indoors. If you’re near the ocean, be aware of the risk of a tsunami from the earthquake and consider moving to higher ground.
Also, keep in mind that an earthquake can break gas, electricity, and water service lines. Be sure to extinguish any open flames to prevent explosions and be aware of potentially live power lines. Do not use bridges and overpasses until their structural soundness has been determined and follow the directions of the police, medical personnel and fire department. While a cause of danger may not be immediately apparent to you, these professionals have special training and devices that they use to assess the situation.
If you live in an earthquake-prone region, having an earthquake plan is a great idea. Make sure all family members are aware of a central meeting place and emergency phone numbers. Coordinate pet evacuation plans with your neighbors and keep ample supplies of emergency food, water, medicine and shelter on hand. By planning ahead and staying calm during an earthquake, you can greatly increase your chances of survival without injury.
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