Earthquakes
Procedure
If you are indoors:
- Stay there.
- Duck or drop down on the floor.
- Locate a sturdy table or desk and take cover. If it is near a window or exterior wall, move it against an interior wall.
- Crouch under the table or desk, tucking your head to your knees and protecting your head with your arms.
- Hold onto the furniture.
- If the furniture moves, move with it.
- Hold your position until the ground stops shaking. Wait until all has stopped
- moving before exiting building.
- Watch for falling plaster, light fixtures, suspended ceilings, heavy items on shelves or in cupboards or closets, mirrors, wall hangings, glass from windows, and swinging doors.
- Do not use elevators.
- If you are in a hallway:
- Kneel against the nearest interior wall.
- Tuck your head to your knees.
- Cover your head with your arms.
If you are in an elevator:
- Remain calm.
- Be prepared for the elevator’s power to shut down and the lights to go off and for the possibility that the elevator may become jammed in the shaft. Even if it does, do not panic. The elevator should not fall and the shaft should be safe from falling objects.
- Wait for an emergency team when the quake is over but be patient since it may take some time for help to arrive.
If you are outdoors:
- Get as far away as possible from any buildings as quickly as possible.
- If you cannot move to an open area, position yourself in a building doorway.
- Watch for falling trees, power lines, chimneys, building and roof ornaments, walls, glass, and the like.