What Should I Do During and After an Earthquake?

What should I do if I am in a high-rise building during an earthquake?

If you are in a high-rise building drop, cover, and hold on. Avoid windows and other hazards. Do not use elevators. Do not be surprised if sprinkler systems or fire alarms activate.

What should I do if I am in a stadium or theatre during an earthquake?

If you are in a stadium or stay at your seat and protect your head and neck with your arms. Don’t try to leave until the shaking is over. Then walk out slowly watching for anything that could fall in the aftershocks.

What should I do if I am outdoors during an earthquake?

If you are outdoors move to a clear area if you can safely do so; avoid power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles, and other hazards.

What to do if you are Outdoors During an Earthquake
A link to Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country.

What should I do if I am driving during an earthquake?

If you are driving pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over. If a power line falls on the car, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.

What to do if you are Driving During an Earthquake
A link to Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country.

What should I do if I'm indoors during an earthquake?

If you are indoors, drop, cover, and hold on. If you are not near a desk or table, drop to the floor against the interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances, and kitchen cabinets with heavy objects or glass. Do not go outside!

During Earthquakes and Aftershocks: Drop, Cover, and Hold on

How can I protect myself during an earthquake?

During earthquakes, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly. Be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops. The area near the exterior walls of a building is the most dangerous place to be. Windows, facades and architectural details are often the first parts of the building to collapse. To stay away from this danger zone, stay inside if you are inside and outside if you are outside.

What should I do immediately after the shaking stops?

First take care of your own situation. Remember your emergency plans. Aftershocks may cause additional damage or items to fall, so get to a safe location. Take your disaster supplies kit.

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