How to Deal With Being Outdoors During an Earthquake

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), "several million earthquakes occur in the world each year." Some of these cause catastrophic damage and loss of life, but many hit remote areas or are so small that they go undetected. The USGS expects approximately 17 earthquakes that register above 7.0 on the Richter scale each year and one that registers above 8.0. Being prepared and knowing what to do in the event that you experience an earthquake is important, even if you happen to be outside.

Instructions

• 1

  Stay where you are. If you're outdoors during an earthquake, it's important not to enter a building. It is safest to stay where you are when you first feel the earthquake.

• 2

  Move away from anything that could injure you, namely electrical wires, poles, streetlights and anything that could produce potential debris. These could topple and injure or kill you.

• 3

  Distance yourself from any exterior walls of structures. Most injuries and deaths occur from falling objects, including collapsed walls and shattered glass. The greatest danger, according to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), "exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls."

• 4

  Move to higher ground immediately if you are in a coastal region since earthquakes can trigger tsunamis. Evacuate in an orderly and calm manner, avoiding any rivers or streams that connect to the ocean.