An earthquake is a sudden slipping or movement of a portion of the earth's crust, accompanied by a series of vibrations.
How to Prepare for an Earthquake
- See Get A Kit and Make A Plan for general information
- Discuss special needs you may have during an earthquake with your support network and plan accordingly
- Bolt down and secure your water heater, refrigerator, furnace, and gas appliances to wall studs
- Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves
- Fasten shelves, mirrors, and large picture frames to walls
- Brace high and top-heavy objects
- Anchor overhead light fixtures
- Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall
How to Respond to an Earthquake
- If you are indoors:
- If you are able:
- Seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk; stay away from outer walls, windows, fireplaces, and hanging objects
- Cover your neck and head to protect from falling objects
- Hold on until shaking is over
- If you are confined to a wheelchair:
- Try to get under a doorway or into an inside corner
- Lock the wheels
- Remove any items that are not securely attached to the wheelchair
- Cover your head with your arms
- If you are unable to move from a bed or a chair, protect yourself from falling objects by covering up with blankets and pillows
- If you are able:
- If you are outdoors:
- Go to an open space away from buildings, power lines, and anything else that could fall on you
- If you are driving:
- Stop away from a bridge, overpass, tree, light post, power line, or sign
- Stay inside your car until the shaking stops
- The duration of the earthquake will depend on how close you are to the center and may be anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes
- Be prepared for aftershocks, secondary shockwaves that can be strong enough to damage weakened structures
- If you become trapped under debris: cover your mouth, avoid moving around and kicking up dust, tap on a pipe or wall, and shout only as a last resort