How To Ride Out the Earthquake

Limit your movements during an earthquake to a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure it is safe to leave.

If you are indoors
　　
· Drop, Cover, and Hold — Take cover under a sturdy desk, table, or bench, or against an inside wall, and hold on. If there is no desk or table 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 and furniture.

· If you are in bed when the earthquake strikes, stay there. 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.

· Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Most injuries during earthquakes occur when people are hit by falling objects while entering or leaving buildings.

· Be aware that electricity may go out or that sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

· Do not use elevators.

If you are outdoors

· Stay there.

· Move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires.

If you are in a moving car

·  Stop as quickly as safety permits, pull to the side of the road, and stay in the car.

·  Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.

·  Do not attempt to drive across bridges or overpasses that have been damaged.

·  Proceed cautiously after the earthquake has stopped, watching for road and bridge damage.

If you are 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 that rescuers can find you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort — shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.