Earthquake

In an earthquake, Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

• Drop to your hands and knees.
• Cover your head with your arms to shield it from falling objects.
• Hold onto a desk or other solid object.

Follow the Shelter in Place procedure:

• Shelter under a desk or another solid structure.
• Stay away from windows that could break and scatter glass.
• Do not run outside while the earthquake is going on.
• If aftershocks occur after the main earthquake has finished, seek shelter again.

After an earthquake occurs:

• If you’re in a building that’s been damaged, move cautiously toward the exit, avoiding potential hazards, and go outside, away from the building.
• If you’re trapped, don’t move around. Use your cell phone to call for help if possible.
• If you’re trapped, tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
• Do not enter a building that may have been damaged until it’s been cleared by emergency responders.

Prepare for earthquakes:

• Assemble earthquake kits with non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, a whistle, and a first-aid kit to keep under your workstation, in your car, and at home.
• Make a plan for how your family will contact each other and reunite after an earthquake.
• Participate in the Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill, held every October.

Find more earthquake preparedness tips here.