The Best Shelters During an Earthquake

Nobody wants to be caught in the wrong place, at the wrong time, during an earthquake. Earthquakes can be extremely powerful and have the potential to cause major damage. It is most important to find protection to avoid danger. As long as you know what to look for, safe places can be found wherever you are, both indoors and outdoors.

Indoor Safety

• During an earthquake, the shaking causes things to detach themselves and fly through the air. The best way to protect yourself is to find something that will cover you. Ducking under a strong, sturdy table will keep you safe from flying debris. If there is no table near, a really strong door can work the same way, protecting you from harm's way.

Outdoors

• Most people would assume to take shelter under something like a tree, but this is a misconception. Standing under a tree is very dangerous as the tree could easily come down. The safest shelter outdoors is out in the open. Make sure you aren't near anything hanging, like street wires and traffic lights. The biggest danger is falling objects, so stay out in the open until the shaking stops.

Vehicle Safety

• If you are in a car when an earthquake hits, stay in the vehicle, protecting yourself from flying debris. Make sure your car isn't stopped under an overpass, trees or utility wires. Keep your car parked until the earthquake is over, and avoid bridges or ramps that could have been damaged.

Building Safety

• If you are in the mall or a building when an earthquake hits, find something sturdy to hide under, just like in your house. Avoid the elevator and use the stairs to find the nearest shelter. Don't stand near windows or light fixtures, as the glass could come crashing down. Stay protected until the shaking stops and people start evacuating.