Emergency Preparedness/Disaster Services

528 - What To Do During an Earthquake

In an earthquake, keep calm and stay where you are. Most injuries during earthquakes occur when people are hit by falling objects when entering or exiting buildings.

• If you are indoors, take cover under a sturdy desk, table or bench, or against an inside wall, and hold on. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors or walls and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• If you are outdoors, stay there. Move away from buildings, street lights and utility wires.
• In a crowded public place, do not rush for a doorway -- other people will have the same idea.
• Take cover, and move away from display shelves containing objects that can fall.
• In a high-rise building, get under a sturdy desk, away from windows and outside walls. Stay in the building on the same floor, an evacuation may not be necessary. Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms go on. Do not use elevators.

In a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits, and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses or utility wires. Then, proceed cautiously, watching for road and bridge damage.