What Should I Do During an Earthquake?

First of all, the best thing to do during an earthquake is: try to stay calm. This may be difficult but remaining calm and thinking clearly will go a long way toward keeping you and your family safe. Keep in mind that it is better to stay indoors during an earthquake if the building you’re in is well-constructed, at least until you know it is safe to leave the building.

When you feel the building or ground begin to shake, drop to the ground. If possible, get under a well-made table or other object to protect yourself from debris. If there are no “hiding places” cover your head and crouch in an inside corner. Avoid windows and outside doors. *If you are in bed, stay there and protect yourself with pillows, blankets and even the mattress. If you can get to a doorway in a load-bearing wall, stay in that doorway. By all means, don’t run outside until the quaking stops.

When an earthquake starts and you are outside, don’t go into a building. In fact, it’s best to get away from the side of buildings – avoid falling debris. Most of the deaths and injuries during earthquakes come from collapsing buildings and falling debris.

Sometimes we find ourselves outside, but in a car or truck. It’s best to stop driving but stay inside the vehicle. Try to stay away from utility poles and wires, trees and buildings. It’s also wise to stay away from bridges and ramps because these are often the first objects to collapse when an earthquake strikes. An elevated structure might appear to be solid but may have sustained enough damage to collapse under the weight of vehicles.

If you haven’t been able to avoid being trapped inside a collapsing building or other structure there are a few things to remember. Don’t light a match or start any other type of flame. There is always a possibility of leaking natural gas or propane that could trigger an explosion. Try to avoid breathing in dust or other debris by covering your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or other cloth. Make some noise to attract rescue personnel. Tap on the wall, a utility pipe or other object. Shout if you need to but avoid inhaling dust.

Basically, the best advice for what to do during an earthquake involves using common sense and protecting yourself from injury any way you can. Many people never prepare for earthquakes in the proper way. It’s best to have a plan for what to do during an earthquake. This plan should be shared with all family members. First on the list should be a place to meet when it is safe to move about. You may also want to put together a list of emergency phone numbers so that you can contact agencies for assistance. Try to keep some stocks of food, water and medical/first aid supplies. If you never need them, so much the better.