How to Take Safety During an Earthquake

On March 11, 2011 an earthquake with the magnitude of 9.0 (out of 10) hit Japan. The earthquake then caused a devastating tsunami. This proves that the danger is not over when the shaking stops. Earthquakes occur all over the world. No matter where you live and work you need to know how to take safety during an earthquake. When things begin to shake you will know what to do.

Instructions

• 1

  If you are driving slow to a stop avoiding bridges, wires, trees, and streetlights.

  Drop to the ground. This will prevent the quake from making you fall, which can result in an injury. Observe your location and move away from anything that could fall and hurt you. This includes knick-knacks and lighting fixtures. If you are near windows move away from them. Do not move to a doorway unless it is a strongly supported doorway made to withstand earthquakes. Otherwise, the doorway could cave in. Move away from anything that could fall on you, but do not move too far. You could get hurt when moving to another room inside the building you are in. Just move to the closest, safest area.

• 2

  A table can help protect you from falling debris.

  Take cover to protect yourself from falling debris. What you take cover under depends on where you are when the earthquake hits. If you are near a table get underneath it. If you are in bed cover your head with your pillow. If there is a hanging light fixture above your bed move to a safer spot. If you are outside when the earthquake hits take safety by moving away from buildings and streetlights. Find an open area.

• 3

  Cling to your spot.

  Hold on. Stay where you are to take safety during an earthquake. If you move around you are more likely to get hurt. The only thing you can do now is wait for it to be over. If you are under a table hold onto one or two (if you can reach) of the table's legs. If you are in bed hold onto the mattress and leave the pillow over your head. Although it could be hard to just wait until it is over you must do so and hold on.

• 4

  It is not worth risking your life to move right away.

  Wait until you are sure it is safe to move away from your spot. Don't move away right after the earthquake stops. You could still be in danger. Assess your situation. Walls can still collapse and debris can still fall after the shaking stops. Proceed with caution by staying in the spot you chose when you took safety during an earthquake. Do not run outside as debris from the building, street poles, and other things could fall and hurt you.