|
What to Do During an Earthquake
Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be
aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger
earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a
nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking
has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
If indoors
- DROP to the ground; take COVER
by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD
ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or
desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch
in an inside corner of the building.
- Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and
walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or
furniture.
- Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake
strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you
are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case,
move to the nearest safe place.
- Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close
proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported,
loadbearing doorway.
- Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is
safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur
when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different
location inside the building or try to leave.
- Be aware that the electricity may go out or the
sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
- DO NOT use the elevators.
If outdoors
- Stay there.
- Move away from buildings, streetlights, and
utility wires.
- Once in the open, stay there until the shaking
stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at
exits and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities
from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran
outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from
collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom
the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related
casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling
objects.
If in a moving vehicle
- Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the
vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees,
overpasses, and utility wires.
- Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has
stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been
damaged by the earthquake.
If trapped under debris
- Do not light a match.
- Do not move about or kick up dust.
- Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
- Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you.
Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort.
Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 11-Aug-2010
14:41:22 EDT |