During an earthquake

Wherever you are when an earthquake starts, take cover immediately. Move a few steps to a nearby safe place if need
be. Stay there until the shaking stops.

IF YOU ARE INDOORS: "DROP, COVER, HOLD ON"

1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On:

• Drop to the ground: Get down to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over.

• Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture: Seek shelter under a table, desk, or any other sturdy
furniture that can provide protection from falling objects. If there is no furniture nearby, cover your head
and neck with your arms and seek shelter against an interior wall away from windows.

• Hold on: Hold on to your shelter to maintain protection during the shaking.

2. Stay Indoors:

• Avoid running outside during the shaking. The most significant danger during an earthquake comes from
falling objects and debris.

• Stay away from windows, glass, and other items that may shatter.

3. Doorway Myths:

• Contrary to popular belief, standing in a doorway is not recommended as doorways are not necessarily
safer and may pose additional risks.

4. Stay Put:

• If you are in bed, stay there and protect your head with a pillow.

• If you are in a high-rise building, drop, cover, and hold on. Do not use elevators.

5. Brace for Aftershocks:

• After the initial shaking, be prepared for aftershocks, which are smaller tremors that can follow the main
earthquake.

6. Turn Off Appliances:

• If safe to do so, turn off gas appliances to reduce the risk of fire. Be cautious of any potential gas leaks.

7. Listen for Information:

• Stay tuned to a battery-operated or hand-crank emergency radio for information and updates.

8. Evacuate if Necessary:

• If there is a clear and safe path, and if local authorities advise evacuation, exit the building cautiously,
avoiding elevators and using stairwells.

9. After the Shaking Stops:

• Be cautious of potential hazards such as broken glass, fallen objects, and structural damage.

• Check yourself and others for injuries and administer first aid as needed.

• Be prepared for aftershocks and take additional precautions if necessary.

IF YOU ARE OUTDOORS

1. Move to an Open Area:

• Move to a clear, open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires. The goal is to avoid
falling objects.

2. Stay Away from Structures:

• Avoid staying near buildings, walls, and other structures that may collapse or shed debris during the
earthquake.

3. Drop to the Ground:

• Drop to the ground to prevent being knocked over by the shaking.

4. Cover Your Head and Neck:

• Take cover by protecting your head and neck with your arms. If possible, crouch down to reduce the risk
of injury.

5. Stay Calm:

• Try to remain as calm as possible during the shaking. Panic can increase the risk of injury.

6. Be Aware of Falling Objects:

• Be cautious of falling objects, such as tree branches or signage. Move away from anything that could pose
a danger.

7. Move to an Open Field:

• If you're in a park or open field, move to the center away from trees and structures.

8. Stay Outdoors:

• Do not enter buildings during the shaking. Facades and windows can shatter, posing significant risks.

9. Avoid Hillsides and Slopes:

• Stay away from hillsides and slopes, as the ground may be unstable during an earthquake.

10. Be Prepared for Aftershocks:

• After the initial shaking, be prepared for aftershocks. These are smaller tremors that can follow the main
earthquake.

11. Listen for Information:

• Stay tuned to a battery-operated or hand-crank emergency radio for information and updates.

12. Stay Away from Coastal Areas:

• If you are near the coast, be aware of the potential for tsunamis. Move to higher ground if you are in a
tsunami-prone area.
IF YOU ARE IN A MOVING VEHICLE:

1. Pull Over Safely:

• Safely and gradually bring your vehicle to a stop in an open area away from overpasses, bridges, buildings,
and trees. Avoid stopping under power lines.

2. Stay Inside the Vehicle:

• Stay inside your vehicle. Do not get out during the shaking as there is a risk of falling objects, debris, or
other hazards.

3. Avoid Stopping Under Overpasses and Bridges:

• Overpasses and bridges are susceptible to damage during earthquakes, so avoid stopping under them.

4. Avoid Stopping Near Buildings and Trees:

• Stay away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires to minimize the risk of falling objects.

5. Remain Calm:

• Stay calm and keep your seatbelt fastened. Protect your head and neck with your hands.

6. Listen to the Radio:

• Tune in to a reliable emergency radio station for information and updates.

7. Move to an Open Area After the Shaking Stops:

• Once the shaking stops, carefully move your vehicle to an open area away from potential hazards.

8. Be Cautious of Road Hazards:

• Be aware of road conditions and potential hazards, such as cracks, debris, and road damage.

9. Avoid Driving Over Bridges and Overpasses:

• If possible, avoid driving over bridges and overpasses until they have been inspected for damage.

10. Stay Informed:

• Stay informed about the earthquake situation and follow any guidance provided by authorities.

IF YOU ARE TRAPPED UNDER DEBRIS:

1. Remain Calm:

• Stay calm and encourage others who may be with you to do the same. Panic can make the situation worse.

2. Assess Your Surroundings:

• Check for any injuries and assess your immediate environment for potential hazards. Be mindful of
unstable debris.

3. Cover Your Mouth:

• Use a cloth or piece of clothing to cover your nose and mouth to avoid inhaling dust and debris.

4. Signal for Help:

 • Make noise by shouting, banging on surfaces, or using a whistle if you have one. This can help rescuers
locate you.

5. Avoid Unnecessary Movement:

• Minimize movement to conserve energy and reduce the risk of causing more debris to fall.

6. Locate a Safe Space:

• If possible, move to a protected area within the debris where there's more space and less risk of injury
from shifting objects.

7. Signal Your Location:

• Use a flashlight, if available, to signal your location at night or in dark areas.

• Tap on pipes or other hard surfaces to create loud and distinctive sounds.

8. Communicate with Rescuers:

• If you hear rescuers nearby, respond loudly and clearly to their calls. Let them know your location and
condition.

9. Conserve Battery Power:

• If you have a mobile phone, use it sparingly to conserve battery power. Try to contact emergency services
and inform them of your situation.

10. Create a Barrier:

• If you have a small space around you, use any available materials to create a barrier between yourself and
the surrounding debris to provide additional protection.