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Earthquakes

How to Prepare for an Earthquake:

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE : PREPARE

  • Take action if you know an earthquake is going to hit before strikes
  • Secure items that might fall and cause injuries (e.g., bookshelves, mirrors, light fixtures).
  • Practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On
  • Store critical supplies and documents.
  • Plan how you will communicate with family members.

How to Prepare for an Earthquake:

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE: SURVIVE

  • As soon as you feel the shaking,
  • DROP down onto your hands and knees so the earthquake doesn’t knock you down.
  • COVER your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from falling debris.
  • If you are in danger from falling objects, and you can move safely, crawl to a safer place or seek cover (e.g., under a desk or table).
  • HOLD ON to any sturdy covering so you can move with it until the shaking stops.

How to Prepare for an Earthquake:

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE: RECOVER

  • When the shaking stops, before you move, look around for things that might fall or for dangerous debris on the ground.
  • If you are in a damaged building and there is a safe way out through the debris, leave and go to an open space outside, away from damaged areas.
  • If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust.
  • If you have a cell phone with you, use it to call or text for help.
  • Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
  • Once safe, monitor local news reports (e.g., radio, TV, social media, and cell phone text alerts), for emergency information and instructions.