How to Protect Yourself If You Feel an Earthquake

An earthquake shaking the ground, causing buildings to crumble and glass to shatter, has the propensity of creating untold casualties and damage. If you live in an earthquake zone, earthquake preparedness is prudent for survival. Because earthquakes occur without warning, you must know how to protect yourself if you feel an earthquake. With awareness, education and preparation, you can know how to respond properly if an earthquake occurs.

Instructions

• 1

  Cover your head with something solid as fast as possible. If you are indoors, get low and crawl under a heavy piece of furniture such as a table or desk. Crawl to a doorway only if you know it is a load-bearing doorway and it is very near your current location. If you cannot crawl under an object, at least protect your head and face with your arms or a pillow.

• 2

  Avoid windows, mirrors, light fixtures, ceiling fans and bookshelves that can fall or come loose. Stay away from objects that may fall or fly through the air.

• 3

  Run away from buildings if you are outside. Watch for falling debris, including building pieces, flying glass, streetlights and power lines.

• 4

  Stop your car as quickly and safely as possible if you detect an earthquake. Avoid bridges, power lines, trees and buildings. Stay in your car and drive your car only after the earthquake stops. Avoid driving on streets or structures that may not be structurally sound after an earthquake.

• 5

  Stay in one place until the shaking stops. According to the University of Utah Seismograph Station, a strong earthquake may last up to 30 seconds, with weaker earthquakes lasting only seconds.

• 6

  Check for a gas leak after the shaking stops. If you smell gas, find the gas valve for the structure and shut it off, if possible. If you cannot locate a gas source, leave the structure immediately.

• 7

  Avoid lighting matches after an earthquake because of the possibility of leaking gas. Try not to disturb the debris, if possible.

• 8

  Expect a series of aftershocks. Although not usually as strong as the initial quake, aftershocks may occur any time in the weeks after an earthquake, and they can be severe.

• 9

  Stay out of buildings after the earthquake ends. Even buildings still standing can have severe structural damage that makes them unsafe. Chimneys are also dangerous after an earthquake.

• 10

  Avoid coastal beach areas after an earthquake because a tsunami may follow the earthquake. Get to high ground as quickly as you can if you are in a tsunami zone.