Drop, Cover, Hold On
When an earthquake strikes, the most important thing to do is to drop, cover, and hold on. This means:
- Drop to the ground.
- Cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Hold on to something sturdy until the shaking stops.
Where to Drop, Cover, and Hold On
The best place to drop, cover, and hold on is indoors:
- Under a sturdy table or desk.
- In a doorway.
- Against an interior wall.
If you are outside, avoid buildings, power lines, and trees. Drop to the ground in an open area.
What to Do After an Earthquake
After the earthquake, there are several things you should do:
- Check yourself for injuries. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately.
- Check on others around you. Help anyone who is injured or trapped.
- Turn off utilities. If you smell gas, turn off the main gas valve. If you see downed power lines, turn off the main electrical breaker.
- Open doors and windows. This will help to ventilate the building and prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide.
- Stay out of damaged buildings. If your home or office has been damaged, do not enter until it has been inspected by a qualified professional.
- Be prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks can occur for days, weeks, or even months after the main earthquake. Be prepared to drop, cover, and hold on during aftershocks.
What Not to Do in an Earthquake
There are several things you should not do in an earthquake:
- Don’t run outside. This is the most dangerous thing you can do.
- Don’t use elevators. Elevators can get stuck during an earthquake.
- Don’t stand under doorways. Doorways are not as strong as they look.
- Don’t panic. It is important to stay calm and think clearly during an earthquake.
Preparing for an Earthquake
The best way to prepare for an earthquake is to make a plan in advance. Here are some things you can do:
- Assemble an earthquake kit. Your kit should include water, food, first-aid supplies, a flashlight, a whistle, and a battery-powered radio.
- Secure furniture and appliances. Heavy objects can fall during an earthquake and cause injuries. Secure them to walls or floors.
- Identify safe places to drop, cover, and hold on. Make sure everyone in your family knows where to go in the event of an earthquake.
- Practice earthquake drills. It is important to practice earthquake drills so that you and your family know what to do in the event of an earthquake.
Additional Tips for Earthquake Preparedness
- Learn CPR and first aid. This can help you to save lives in the event of an earthquake.
- Have insurance. Earthquake insurance can help you to cover the costs of damage to your home or belongings.
- Stay informed. Monitor local news and weather reports for earthquake warnings.
- Be aware of the earthquake hazard in your area. Some areas are more likely to experience earthquakes than others. Be aware of the risks in your area and take steps to prepare.
Additional Resources
