You may get a warning anywhere from a few seconds to up to a minute before an earthquake hits.
If you’re in a crowded public place, such as a store, do not rush toward the exits, even if you see lots of people doing so. Get away from display racks, glass, and exterior walls, and find a covered spot to take shelter. [2] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Remember the phrase “Drop, Cover, Hold on,” which is the course of action recommended by U. S. and international emergency management organizations. Fire alarms may sound as earthquakes can mess with fire alarm systems, but it is best to stay where you are and wait until the shaking stops.
If you’re in bed during an earthquake, stay there. Brace yourself, and protect your head and neck with a pillow. If you can’t get under a sturdy table or desk, take cover in an interior corner of the building. Don’t stand in a doorway. This is was recommended in the past, but you’re safer under a sturdy table or crouched in a corner. A doorway doesn’t offer much protection from falling or flying objects, which cause the most earthquake-related injuries and deaths. [4] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
A strong earthquake can kick up clouds of dangerous dust. If this is the case, you should also cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or an article of clothing.
In the event of an earthquake, you and your family (or coworkers, if you’re at work) should meet in a designated safe location. Create an action plan in advance, and head to the designated meeting place once the shaking has stopped. If an aftershock occurs, drop, cover, and hold on until it stops.
In a strong earthquake, remember to cover your mouth to avoid inhaling dust, especially if you have a history of any respiratory diseases. If you’re trapped, don’t shout, as you’d risk inhaling dust. Instead, send a text or call emergency services, tap on a hard surface, or, if you have one, blow a whistle to alert first responders of your location.
To perform CPR, place one hand over the center of the person’s chest, and hold your other hand over the first. Keep your arms straight as you press directly into their chest at a rate of about 100 beats per minute. Stop bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound. Pack the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth and apply firm pressure. If firm pressure doesn’t stop the bleeding, use a belt, article of clothing, or bandages to fashion a tourniquet. Wrap the tourniquet 2 to 3 in (5. 1 to 7. 6 cm) above the wound toward the torso. For a wound on the thigh, wrap the tourniquet above the wound near the groin to limit the amount of blood flowing from the heart. [8] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source If someone is seriously injured or unconscious, don’t move them unless the building is structurally unsound or they’re otherwise in immediate danger.
If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the main valve outside and call the gas company. Note that a professional will be needed to restore service. Look for signs of electrical damage, including sparks, broken or frayed wires, and burning smells. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you’d have to step in water to access the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician instead of approaching it yourself. Put out any small fires with a fire extinguisher. If there’s a larger fire, call emergency services. Evacuate immediately if there’s a fire and you smell gas. Don’t drink water from the sink, bathe, or use the toilet until your local authorities have advised that it’s safe to do so. Plug the drains in sinks and bathtubs to prevent sewage backflow.
Pay attention to surrounding traffic, and stop only when it’s safe to do so. Don’t stop abruptly, or vehicles to the rear might collide with you.
Turn on your radio, as channels should be broadcasting emergency broadcast information.
If a power line has fallen on your vehicle or you’re otherwise unable to travel, stay put. Call emergency services, and wait for first responders.
Stay low to the ground to keep your balance as you get to a safe spot, and keep your eye out for falling debris. Do not seek shelter under a bridge or overpass. Additionally, look out for sinkholes, open faults, or large holes in the ground.
Remain crouched low to the ground in a covered position until the shaking stops.
Stay away from damaged structures and areas immediately around buildings. Remember that aftershocks may occur. If there’s an aftershock, weakened buildings, windows, and architectural details can fall to the ground.
Earthquakes can cause tsunamis, so put distance between yourself and the coast. While a catastrophic failure is unlikely, earthquake damage can cause flooding downstream from a dam. If you live in a flood zone, proceed to higher ground. Check evacuation plans in advance if you live near a dam in an earthquake-prone area.
Enough bottled water and non-perishable food to last 3 days. A first aid kit, including gauze, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, tweezers, ibuprofen or another pain reliever, cotton swabs, anti-diarrhea medication, sanitary napkins, and eyewash. Medications that any members of your family take regularly. A flashlight and extra batteries. Tools, including a screwdriver and adjustable wrench. A whistle, to alert first responders in the event you become trapped. Clothes and blankets. Your pet’s food and medication, if you have one.
Designated spots might be a clearing near your home, a school, community center, or a shelter. Make a plan to reunite ahead of time, as phone service may be limited and should be used only for emergencies. Conduct practice drills every 6 months to ensure you and your loved ones know exactly what to do in the event of an earthquake.
For example, if there’s a heavy desk in your child’s bedroom, tell them to take cover under it. Advise them to stay away from their windows and dresser.
Objects such as knives or corrosive liquids can cause serious injury, especially if they fall from a high storage spot during an earthquake.
Look online for nearby classes, or check with a local clinic or Red Cross chapter.
To shut off electricity, turn off individual circuits or fuses at the main box, then turn off the main circuit or fuse. Your gas main should be near your gas meter, but locations vary. Use an adjustable wrench to turn the valve 1/4 turn clockwise. Your water main should be at your water meter by the street or sidewalk, but it may be inside your home. Turn the valve 1/4 turn clockwise to shut off your water.
