What to Do During an Earthquake Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
If indoors * DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. 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 glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture. * Stay in bed if you are there 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. * Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway. * Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. 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 outdoors * Stay there. * 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. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. 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 in a moving vehicle * Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. * Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
If trapped under debris * Do not light a match. * Do not move about or kick up dust. * Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. * Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
Firstly, stay calm and ensure that you are not in danger WHEN YOU ARE INDOORS
In your house: * If you feel shaking, hide underneath a table or desk. If this is not possible, cover your head with a pillow or cushion. * Do not go outside until the shaking has stopped. * Open doors and windows to ensure you have escape routes. * If using gas stoves or other equipment, extinguish all flames immediately (turn off the gas mains) * Turn off the electricity * If fire breaks out, use an extinguisher to put out all fires immediately. * If fire breaks out when using kerosene or cooking oil, do not use water, use something such as a damp shirt to cover the pot and extinguish the flames.
In a supermarket or department store: * If you feel shaking, protect your head with your bag and step away from the shelves. * Stay close to walls or large pillars. * Do not rush for exits and follow the directions of staff. When evacuating use the stairs and not the elevators. * If you are in the elevator and it stops moving, use the emergency phone inside and wait for assistance.
When underground: * Stay close to walls or large pillars. * If the lights fail, stay calm and wait for the emergency lighting to come on. * If fire breaks out and the area fills with smoke, cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or towel and escape in the direction from which the cool air is coming and follow the wall to the nearest exit. WHEN YOU ARE OUTDOORS
In a residential area: * Quickly move away from stone or block walls and move to a safe place. * Glass and roof tiles may fall, so move quickly to open areas such as parks and avoid going near buildings.
In a shopping or building arcade: * Without stopping, protect your head with bags or similar items and evacuate to a park or other open spaces. * Do not go near buildings, block walls or vending machines. * Do not go near fallen power lines. * Be careful of broken glass, signs and other fallen objects.
In a train or subway carriage: * Hold tightly to straps and rails in case the train or subway stops suddenly. * If the train or subway stops, do not jump out of windows or attempt to unlock the emergency door and leave the carriage. * Follow the announcements of train staff and act in a calm manner.
When driving: * Pull over to the left side of the road or an open space and turn off the engine. * If police are controlling traffic, follow their directions. * If leaving your vehicle, leave the key in the lock and the doors unlocked. OBTAINING ACCURATE INFORMATION * Pay attention to information given on radio and television and do not react hastily to inaccurate information. * Refrain from making unnecessary telephone calls. Inquiries made to the Fire Department regarding the situation of the disaster hamper the efforts of emergency services. PROTECTING OUR TOWN
If an earthquake occurs in our town it is possible to consider that communication by telephone will be rendered impossible, roads will be damaged, and the spread of fire will split the functions of the town, decreasing the effectiveness of the fire brigade and other disaster relief activities.
Therefore, we should all cooperate in helping to extinguish fires and assisting those who are trapped under rubble and in damaged buildings.
It is also important within our local community to make emergency contact lists and discuss ways to evacuate the elderly and disabled in the event of an earthquake.