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Earthquakes strike without warning, causing destruction and endangering lives within seconds. Knowing how to protect yourself before, during, and after an earthquake can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death. Whether you're indoors, outdoors, or in a vehicle, quick and informed actions can make all the difference.
Click on for essential tips to stay safe when the ground starts shaking.
Develop and practice an earthquake safety plan with your family or coworkers, including evacuation routes, meeting points, and emergency contacts.
Fasten bookshelves, mirrors, and heavy furniture to walls. Store breakable and heavy items on lower shelves to prevent them from falling.
Keep a kit with water, food, a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, and essential medications in an easily accessible location.
Identify sturdy furniture to take cover under and avoid areas near windows, mirrors, and hanging objects that may fall.
Know how to turn off gas, electricity, and water in case of leaks or damage after an earthquake.
Check for structural weaknesses in your home, such as unsecured foundations or chimneys, and strengthen them if necessary.
Learn basic first aid and CPR so you can help yourself and others in case of injury.
Regularly practice the "drop, cover, and hold on" drill so you and your family react instinctively when an earthquake hits.
Enable earthquake early warning alerts on your mobile device for real-time notifications of seismic activity.
Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities and family members, in your phone and written down.
Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.
Move away from windows, glass doors, and mirrors to avoid getting injured by shattered glass.
Contrary to popular belief, standing in a doorway doesn't provide adequate protection. Seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk instead.
Don't run outside during an earthquake, as falling debris poses a greater risk than staying indoors.
Cover your head with a pillow and stay put to avoid injury from falling objects.
If there’s no sturdy furniture nearby, crouch against an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.
If outside, move to an open area away from buildings, streetlights, and trees that may collapse.
Make sure you stay low to maintain balance and protect yourself from falling objects.
Pull over to a safe area away from bridges, overpasses, and power lines. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.
If in a crowded place, stay calm, move cautiously, and avoid stampedes. Follow emergency procedures and listen to authorities.
Provide first aid if necessary and call for medical assistance if anyone is seriously injured.
Aftershocks can occur minutes, hours, or even days after the main earthquake. Stay alert and take cover if needed.
Look for structural damage, gas leaks, or fire hazards before re-entering your home or workplace.
If you detect a gas leak, turn off the gas supply, leave the building immediately, and notify authorities.
Stick to stairs, as elevators may become stuck or malfunction due to earthquake damage.
Listen to emergency broadcasts for information on aftershocks, evacuation orders, and emergency services.
If you're near the ocean, move to higher ground immediately, as earthquakes can trigger tsunamis. Stay updated on emergency alerts and avoid returning until authorities declare it safe.
Buildings with visible cracks, leaning structures, or partial collapses are unsafe and should be avoided.
Assist neighbors, especially the elderly, children, or disabled individuals, and remain calm to ensure safety for everyone.
Sources: (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) (National Geographic)
See also: How earthquakes reshape our planet
How to stay safe during an earthquake
Earthquake safety tips, preparation, and readiness
LIFESTYLE Natural disasters
Earthquakes strike without warning, causing destruction and endangering lives within seconds. Knowing how to protect yourself before, during, and after an earthquake can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death. Whether you're indoors, outdoors, or in a vehicle, quick and informed actions can make all the difference.
Click on for essential tips to stay safe when the ground starts shaking.