Earthquake Safety Tips
A Comprehensive Resource

Know where to go.

• If you’re in a car, slow down and pull over at a clear place, far from buildings, trees, and power cords.
  1. Move far from bridges and elevated highways, as these may give way.
• If you’re outdoors, drop to the ground at a similarly clear place.
• If you’re in bed, and relatively safe from flying or falling objects, stay put and guard your head and body with your pillow and blankets.
• In a high-rise building, stay away from windows.
• Never use the elevator.

Know how to ride it out.

• "Drop, cover, and hold on tight."
• Take cover beneath something sturdy that will protect you from flying, shattering objects.
  1. Crouch beneath a heavy table or desk. If it moves and you can’t keep it in place, go with it.
  2. Stay away from bookcases, wobbling furniture, glass, and exterior walls and doors.
• If possible, take cover within a doorframe, which is more stable and provides more support than any other place in the house.
  1. Only use a doorway which you know is load-bearing and strongly supported.
• If there’s nothing to protect you, crouch against an interior wall and cover your head with your arms.

Know when not to run.

• Don’t be alarmed; fire alarms and water sprinklers will probably go off during an earthquake.
• Don’t exit a building during an earthquake.
  1. You’re most vulnerable right outside of a building—you could easily be hit by debris that is plummeting from collapsing exterior walls.
  2. Know that most injuries occur when people attempt to run inside a building.

If you’re trapped, follow these earthquake safety tips:

• Never light a  match
• Don’t move.  At best, you’ll kick up dust (bad for your limited air supply); at worst, you might cause a further collapse.
• Cover your nose and mouth lightly with cloth.
• Alert others of your location:
  1. Tap on a pipe or wall
  2. Use a whistle
  3. Shout—as a last resort. It’s dangerous, because you’ll inhale too much dust.

Assess the situation; make sure it’s safe to move before you move. If possible, exit the building as soon as possible.

Check for injuries (personal and those of the people around you).

Keep clear of damaged areas.

If you’re home, tread carefully: inspect utilities, open cabinets carefully, clean up spills, and wear protective clothes so you won’t hurt yourself amongst the debris.

If there’s a power outage, unplug appliances.

If you smell or have any indication of a gas leak, evacuate immediately; open doors and windows on your way out.

If water lines or sewage lines seem to be damaged, call a plumber before using the water and toilet utilities.

• Meanwhile plug the bathroom and sink drains

Look for fire, a typical hazard after an earthquake.

Turn off the electricity if you discern frayed wires, sparks, or the scent of overheated insulation. 

Tune in to your radio or TV for information: another earthquake might be forecasted, or resources and guidelines may be broadcasted.

Be prepared for aftershocks.

Be alert for tsunami warnings if you’re near a coastline.