How to React Safely to an Earthquake

Earthquakes are something that most native Californians are familiar with. Californians prepare for earthquakes, knowing that taking precautions will eliminate or reduce possible injuries. Heavy objects are not placed over beds or on high shelves, bookshelves are secured to the walls and young children are taught to retreat under the heavy oak table, should the house begin to shake when they were in the dining room. Some earthquakes are foreshocks, warning that a larger earthquake may follow. For this reason, it is important to stay in a secure location until the shaking has stopped, and you are certain the incident has past. Avoiding panic during an earthquake is essential, yet it often sounds easier than it is. But, if you arrange your home and office space to minimize earthquake damage, and understand how to safely react during an earthquake, it will help you avoid that panic.

Instructions

• 1

  If you are inside, drop to the ground. If possible, take cover under a sturdy table and cover your face and head. Stay away from glass, windows, or anything that could fall on you. If you're in bed, stay there if there is nothing that could fall on you and cover your head with a pillow. You can use a load bearing doorway for shelter, if it is strongly supported. But, only use it if it is close by as you want to minimize your steps. Stay inside until the shaking stops.

• 2

  If you are outside, move away from buildings, utility wires and streetlights. Stay in the open until the shaking stops.

• 3

  If you are in a moving vehicle stop when it is safe, away from buildings, utility wires, streetlights, overpasses, bridges, ramps or trees. Stay in the parked car. When shaking stops, drive carefully, continuing to avoid overpasses, bridges, ramps, trees and buildings.

• 4

  If you are trapped under debris do not light a match, or move around. Cover your mouth with clothing. You want to avoid disrupting dust and avoid inhaling the dust. Tap on a wall or pipe to signal to rescuers. If you have a whistle, use it. Shout as a last resort, as shouting can cause dangerous inhalation of dust.