How To Ride Out An Earthquake

During a major earthquake, you may experience a shaking that starts out gently and grows violent…

…or it may begin with a violent jolt – as though your house was hit by a truck.

Earthquakes give no warning and the majority of earthquakes last less than 30 seconds so you must be prepared to act quickly!

Most injuries are caused by falling objects and debris. “Duck, Cover and Hold!” is your best protection. When the shaking starts, move quickly to the best cover that is available near you. The longer it takes and the farther you (try to!) move to get to cover, the higher the risk of injury.

Rule Number One Stay calm!!! If you are in a group, encourage others to do the same.

Indoors

Duck, Cover, and Hold! where you are.

DUCK or drop down and take COVER under stable, sturdy furniture, like a table or desk. HOLD on to it and be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.

If there is no sturdy furniture available, kneel against an interior wall, bend your head close to your knees, with your arms and hands protecting your head and neck. Be sure you’re not directly below heavy wall or ceiling mounted objects.

Avoid tall, unstable, furniture, like bookshelves, file cabinets, or entertainment centers.

Move away from windows, or at least turn your back toward them. During earthquakes, windows have shattered with enough force to damage wood and tile.

Do not try to run outside or move to a different floor!

Be prepared for electricity to fail, and alarms or sprinkler systems to go off. Additional tips for specific locations:

Kitchens
Move away from the refrigerator, stove, and overhead cupboards. If possible, turn off burners. (Take time NOW to anchor appliances, and install security latches on cupboard doors to reduce hazards.)

High-rise buildings
If there is no desk or table nearby, move against an interior wall and protect your head with your arms. Do not use the elevators. Stay indoors. Glass windows can dislodge during the quake and sail for hundreds of feet.

Crowded store or other public places
Do not rush for exits. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.

Stadium or Theater
Stay in your seat, get below the level of the back of the seat, and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over. Then leave in a calm, orderly manner. Avoid rushing toward exits.

If you're in a Wheelchair, stay in it. Move to cover, if possible, lock your wheels, and protect your head with your arms.

Mobile homes
During earthquakes, in addition to falling debris, many mobile homes are knocked from their pedestals, rupturing utility connections and forcing pedestals up through the floors. The best option may be on top of a bed, couch, or other sturdy furniture while protecting your head from falling debris.

Outdoors

During an earthquake, the areas near building exteriors can be deadly. Many injuries occur when people trying to exit buildings are caught in a rain of falling glass, bricks and building parts.

If outdoors;

Move clear of building exteriors.

Check for overhead hazards such as power lines or utility poles.

Kneel down and wait for the shaking to stop. Stay alert for other dangers that may require movement.

Operating Motor Vehicles

Pull clear of traffic as far as possible and stop.

If possible, avoid stopping on or under overpasses or bridges. Also avoid stopping under other overhead hazards such as power lines, light posts, or traffic signals.

Stay in your vehicle and set the emergency break.

When shaking stops, evaluate your surroundings and proceed with caution. Be alert for emergency vehicles.