Earthquake

What to do in the event of an 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.