Earthquakes can be very dangerous because they happen at any time without warning. There are several things you should do during and after an earthquake no matter where you are.
If you at home, at work or at school, the first thing to do is take cover, Drop to the ground, get under a sturdy table, protect yourself with a cushion or whatever you find, and hold on firmly until the shaking stops. If there is no convenient piece of furniture, stand against an indoor wall, or under a loadbearing doorway, away from glass or objects that may break and fall on you. Stay inside! The most dangerous thing during an earthquake is trying to leave – elevators are dangerous, tiles and windows can fall on you. Open all doors to secure an escape route – after the shaking doors might be impossible to open and you will be trapped.
If you are driving in your car, pull over to the side of the road, away from bridges, overpasses, and tunnels. Turn on your car’s radio to listen for emergency information. If you are not driving, drop to the ground and crawl to safe location – move away from buildings, streetlights, wires and cables.
After the earthquake you should be prepared for aftershocks which often occur shortly after the first earthquake and can be as dangerous. Go outside and walk cautiously to a refuge or evacuation area. When leaving your home, first inspect utilities for damage, turn off the gas and don’t use electrical devices. Turn off the main fuse box or circuit breaker and avoid using the toilet or tap water for drinking. Take a flashlight, extra batteries, battery operated radio, first aid kit (with manual), emergency food and drinking water, sturdy shoes, knife and cash.
Don’t use elevators! Use your cell telephone only for emergency calls!
