What to Do During an Earthquake

If You Are Indoors When the Shaking Starts

• Drop, cover and hold on. Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. (Most people injured in earthquakes move more than 5 ft. during the shaking).
• If you are elderly or you can’t move about easily, remain where you are, bracing yourself in place.
• If you are in bed, stay there (broken glass on the floor may injure you), hold on, and protect your head with a pillow.
• Stay away from windows to prevent being injured by flying glass.
• Stay indoors until the shaking stops.
• AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS, check for and extinguish small fires. (In San Francisco in 1906, fires created more damage than the earthquake.)
  Note: Fire alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off during earthquakes, even if there is no fire.
• Check doors for heat (indicating fire) before opening.
• Exit only if you are sure it’s safe to do so, and use the stairs.
• If you are located in a coastal area, move to higher ground. (Large ocean waves known as tsunamis are often generated by earthquakes.)
  

If You Are Outdoors When the Shaking Starts

• Drop to the ground away from buildings, trees, street lights and power lines. Stay there until the shaking stops.
• If you are in a vehicle, stop at a location clear of trees, power lines, poles, street signs, overpasses and the like. Stay there with your seat belt fastened until the shaking stops.
• AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS, proceed with caution, avoiding bridges or ramps that might have been damaged.
• If you are located in a mountainous area, or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris.

If You Are Away from Your Home During an Earthquake

• Return to your home only when the authorities say it is safe to do so.

General Tips:

• Expect aftershocks minutes, days, weeks, even months afterwards. When you feel one, drop, cover and hold on.
• Listen to a portable, battery-operated AM radio or TV for emergency information and instructions.
• Remain alert and observe official warnings.
• Watch for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and stay out of damaged areas.
• After the shaking stops, assess yourself, your animals and other people for injuries.
• Get first aid, if necessary, before giving first aid and rescue assistance to injured or trapped persons or animals.
• Put on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves to protect yourself from injury.
• Check quickly for damage to your home and get everyone out if your home is unsafe. (Aftershocks can further damage unstable buildings.)
• Help neighbors who require special assistance – infants, elderly or disabled people, those without transportation, etc.