Earthquake safety begins before the earthquake. Proper construction and personal preparation will help you be ready.
The most important things to know are: Don't use the fire stairs in a building. They are a bad place to be in a collapse, and sidewalks next to buildings are among the worst places to be.
Drop, cover, and hold on!
Don't lie in the fetal position - this makes you prone to rolling around. Get on your hands and knees, and hold onto something if possible. Hold a cushion above your head if possible - many injuries in quakes are from flying objects being tossed through the air.
Safeguard your home
- Bolt bookshelves, water heaters, cabinets and other heavy objects to wall studs.
- Anchor things so that they will not move or fall during an earthquake - this is always important, and often the most important thing you can do to be safe. (In a country with poor construction standards, improving the safety of the structure itself may be more important.) This also prevents things from breaking.
What should we do in an earthquake?
- If you have a very strong table or desk, get under it and hold on. Or, sit or stand against an inside wall.
- Keep away from windows.
- Don't run to the stairs or lifts.
- Stay indoors - don't run outside. Outside may be less safe, and you're vulnerable while moving. It's better to stop, drop and cover. (The only exception is a single storey building with heavy adobe roof.)
- If outdoors, stay outdoors, away from buildings (falling debris), and trees and power lines.
- If in a car, stay in the car.
How do I know where an earthquake is happening now?
Warnings
- Beware of the triangle of life advice, that has been passed around by email and on certain websites. Some of the advice is good (stay indoors, don't run to the stairs; get low next to a sofa) and some is bad (get next to heavy objects such as a refrigerator).