Safety Procedures

During Earthquake

What to do during an earthquake. Immediate safety steps and protocols.

during earthquakesafety proceduresImmediate ActionEmergency Response

Drop, Cover, and Hold

🚨 Primary Safety Action

When an earthquake strikes, your immediate response should be to Drop, Cover, and Hold On. This is the single most important action you can take to protect yourself from falling objects and debris.

1

DROP

Immediately drop to the ground before the earthquake knocks you down.

2

COVER

Take cover under a sturdy table, desk, or against an interior wall.

3

HOLD ON

Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. Protect your head and neck.

Indoor Safety

Safe Actions

  • ✓Stay inside if you are already indoors
  • ✓Drop, cover, and hold under sturdy furniture
  • ✓Protect your head and neck
  • ✓Stay away from windows and glass
  • ✓Move away from heavy objects and shelves

❌ Dangerous Actions

  • ✗Do not run outside during shaking
  • ✗Do not use elevators
  • ✗Do not stand in doorways
  • ✗Do not go to windows or mirrors

🏢 Building-Specific Safety

  • •High-rise buildings: Move away from windows and exterior walls
  • •Schools: Follow teacher instructions and use desk for cover
  • •Offices: Take cover under desk, protect computer equipment
  • •Homes: Stay in interior rooms away from heavy furniture

⚠️ Special Considerations

  • •Bedrooms: Stay in bed and protect head with pillow
  • •Kitchens: Turn off stove if possible, then take cover
  • •Bathrooms: Get into bathtub if in bathroom during quake

After the Earthquake

Safety First

Once the shaking stops, it's important to remain calm and follow safety procedures. There may be aftershocks, so continue to protect yourself.

Immediate Actions

  • ✓Wait for shaking to completely stop
  • ✓Check yourself and others for injuries
  • ✓Check for fires or gas leaks
  • ✓Put on shoes to protect feet from debris

Evacuation Procedures

  • •Evacuate if building is unsafe or on fire
  • •Use stairs, not elevators
  • •Watch for falling objects during evacuation
  • •Go to designated assembly area

Communication

  • •Contact family members to check safety
  • •Listen to emergency broadcasts
  • •Check on neighbors and vulnerable people
  • •Report emergencies to authorities

Aftershock Safety

  • •Be prepared for aftershocks
  • •Drop, cover, and hold during aftershocks
  • •Aftershocks can occur hours or days later