It’s rarely the ground motion of an earthquake that directly causes injury or death. The real danger comes from falling objects, broken windows, shrapnel, and other hazardous conditions caused by the earthquake.
Remember the earthquake survival strategy "Drop, Cover, and Hold On."
- Get as low to the ground as possible.
- Avoid bookshelves or other objects stored at height.
- Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture and cover the back of your head with one arm, while holding onto the furniture with your other hand.
- Evacuate the building after the earthquake, if it is safe to do so. Make your way to the nearest earthquake assembly point.
For individuals who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, remember "Lock, Cover, and Hold On." Lock the wheels of mobility devices, cover the back of your head with both arms, and wait for the earthquake to pass.
Earthquake Survival for Individuals with Disabilities
If you use a mobility aid, such as a wheelchair, walker, cane, or crutches, do what you can to prevent yourself from being separated from your mobility aid.
Users of wheelchairs and walkers should "Lock, Cover, and Hold On."
- Avoid bookshelves or other objects stored at height.
- Lock your wheelchair or walker wheels if possible.
- Cover the back of your head and neck with your hands, your backpack, or a textbook—anything that could be a barrier between you and falling objects.
- Hold on to your wheelchair if you feel like the shaking might cause you to fall out of your chair.
- Hold on to your walker so that you have it ready when the shaking stops.
Users of canes and crutches should take shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture if possible, and make sure to keep your cane or crutches with you so that you have them ready when the shaking stops.
This instructional video includes demonstrations of protective actions taken by people who use a variety of mobility aids. At the 0:12 mark, you can see a list of times in the video and find the section that may apply to you.
Earthquake Survival Outdoors
If you are outside during an earthquake:
- Don't try to rush indoors while the earthquake is in process.
- Try to get into as open a space as possible.
- Drop, cover, and hold on, protecting your head and neck with both arms.
- Wait for the earthquake to stop before trying to move, and be aware of hazards that may have been created by the earthquake (downed power lines, broken gas lines, etc.)
- Make your way to an assembly point and check in with the building guardians.
If you are driving during an earthquake:
- Do not try to exit the vehicle.
- Stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Avoid parking near gas stations or under trees, bridges, overpasses, or power lines.
- Wait for the earthquake to stop before trying to move the vehicle. It may not be safe to continue driving. If you can drive, use extreme caution and avoid any areas of the road that appear to be damaged. Avoid bridges and ramps altogether.