Safety Precautions during an Earthquake

Minimize Movement
Move as little as possible. Stay in bed if you are there and there is no threat of heavy furniture, light fixtures,
mirrors or pictures nearby that could fall. Cover your head with your pillow.

Seek Safety
Move quickly to a nearby safe place. Crouch by the side of a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall or
corner away from windows. Avoid unsecured tall and heavy furniture, stored breakable items such as bottled
foods, glass and china, heavy pictures and mirrors, overhead light fixtures and outside doors and wall. Use a
doorway for shelter only if you know it is strongly supported and load-bearing.

If you are outside, drop to the ground in an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, overpasses,
elevated expressways, and utility wires. Be alert for falling debris.

If you are in your vehicle, drive it to a clear location, slow gradually and stop. Avoid stopping near or under
bridges, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Exit off the freeway at the first safe opportunity. Remain in your
vehicle with your seatbelt fastened.

Wait
Stay where you are until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to move. Expect aftershocks to follow the
initial earthquake.

Proceed Cautiously
Do not light a match or kick up dust if you are trapped under debris. Cover your mouth with a piece of clothing.

Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Do not use the elevators. Use the stairs in case there are aftershocks, power outages or other damage.

Be aware that the electricity may go out. Fire alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off in buildings during an
earthquake even if there is no fire.

Check for gas and water leaks, electrical wire damage, or sewage and water line damage. If you detect leaks or
damage, turn the utility off at the source.

Clean up spilled medications, bleach, gasoline or other flammable liquids. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes
from other chemicals.

Stay in your vehicle if a power line has fallen nearby. Wait for assistance.

Be alert for mudslides, rockslides and tsunamis.

Seek and Follow Emergency Instructions

Listen to a battery operated, hand-crank or car radio for updated emergency information and instructions.

Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.

Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles. Use your vehicle only for an emergency.

Leave a message saying where you can be found if you must evacuate.