Earthquake Evacuation Procedures

Earthquakes are sudden and unexpected, and they can often be life-threatening. It is important not to panic during an emergency situation such as an earthquake. Knowing proper evacuation procedures when a temblor hits may not only help save your life but ensure that you and the people around are not needlessly hurt.

Do Not Flee Right Away

• Although your instinct during an earthquake may be to immediately run, sometimes that is not the best thing to do. Choose a close “safe place,” such as an area underneath a sturdy table or desk, against a wall away from windows and furniture that could fall on you, or under a strongly supported doorway. You should stay there until the shaking stops, then ensure that you have not been hurt. Do not attempt to leave a building until you are sure that the first wave of tremors is over; then, carefully try to get outdoors, avoiding things that may have fallen or broken. Try to move quickly, though, in case of aftershocks.

Help the Disabled

• If you are unhurt or have sustained only minor injuries, try to help those who need assistance, such as the disabled, to exit the building with you. Try to get a needy person to safety by moving him or her out an emergency exit or into an enclosed stairwell or emergency exit.

Look Out for Fires

• Sometimes earthquakes cause damage to electrical wiring or result in leaks in gas lines, so watch out for possible fires.

Use the Stairs

• If you have to leave a building after an earthquake stops, do not use the elevator; use the stairs instead. Earthquakes may result in damage to elevators or may cause other hazards where taking the stairs would be a safer option.

Once Outside, Stay Outside

• If you happen to be outdoors when an earthquake hits, stay there. Try to move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, power lines or anything else that may fall on you. Roofing material and signs are some examples of outdoor hazards that could cause injury in the event of an earthquake.