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Some earthquakes are actually foreshocks with a larger earthquake to follow. Take note of where you are – your response to an earthquake depends on where you are when the shaking begins.
What to do during an earthquake: When indoors
Stay where you are, if you can! Minimize your movements to just a few steps if a safer place is nearby.
When you feel an earthquake, duck under a desk or sturdy table. Stay undercover until the shaking stops and hold onto your cover. If it moves, move with it! If there isn't a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
Stay away from windows, bookcases, file cabinets, heavy mirrors, hanging plants, and other heavy objects that could fall. Watch out for falling plaster, tiles, ceiling fans, and heavy light fixtures.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls. Use a doorway for shelter only if it is close by and you know it is a strongly-supported load-bearing doorway.
Stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave. Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on. DO NOT use the elevators.
If in BED when the earthquake strikes, hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
If you are in a HIGH-RISE BUILDING and not near a desk or table, move against an interior wall and protect your head with your arms. Stay indoors. Glass windows can dislodge during the quake and sail for hundreds of feet.
If you're in a CROWDED STORE OR OTHER PUBLIC PLACE, do not rush for the exits. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall. Find an interior wall if you can.
If you're in a WHEELCHAIR, stay in it. Move to cover, if possible. Lock your wheels and protect your head with your arms.
If you're in the KITCHEN, move away from the refrigerator, stove, and overhead cupboards.
If you're in a STADIUM OR THEATRE, stay in your 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.
What to do during an earthquake: When outdoors
Stay there! If you're OUTDOORS, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, electrical wires and poles. Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls due to falling debris. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
If you're on a SIDEWALK NEAR BUILDINGS, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.
If you're DRIVING, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses, power lines, and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over. Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously only once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
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