How to survive an earthquake

Stay as safe as possible. 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 stops 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.

HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If no table is near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in a corner.

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall.

• 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.

• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is near you and you know it is a strong, load-bearing doorway.

• Stay inside the building until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside.

• 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.

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.