What Civil Defense Says You Should Do During An Earthquake
The Civil Defense provided detailed instructions on what to do should you find yourself caught in an earthquake .
Drop, Cover and Hold is the right action to take during an earthquake.
It stops you from being knocked over, makes you a smaller target for falling and flying objects, and protects your head, neck, and vital organs.
If you feel an earthquake:
DROP down on your hands and knees. This protects you from falling over but lets you move if you need to.
COVER your head and your neck (or your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk (if it is within a few steps of you). If there is no shelter nearby, cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
HOLD on to your shelter (or your position to protect your head and neck) until the shaking stops. If the shaking shifts your shelter around, move with it.
Keep yourself safe
During an earthquake, the biggest hazard is earthquake shaking, as it can lead to collapsing walls and roofs, and falling glass and objects. Many injuries are caused by people moving during or immediately after the shaking.
In a major earthquake, masonry and glass falls off buildings and into the streets. If you are inside, Drop, Cover and Hold - do not run outside or you risk getting hit by falling bricks or concrete and glass. You should only leave if the building is showing obvious signs of distress, or if you are in a tsunami evacuation zone.
Do not try to stand in a doorway - in modern homes, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the structure and usually have doors that can swing and injure you.
Even after the earthquake shaking stops, move with care as debris can cause further injuries.
If you are outside, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines, then Drop, Cover and Hold. Stay there until the shaking stops.
If you are in bed
If you are in bed when the shaking starts, Stay, Cover, Hold: Stay in bed. Cover yourself by pulling the sheets and blankets over you. Hold your pillow over you to protect your head and neck.
You are less likely to be injured if you stay in bed.
If you are inside a building
If you are inside a building, Drop, Cover and Hold. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. Do not run outside after an earthquake.
If you are at work
After the shaking stops, do a head count and work out if anyone’s unaccounted for. Check the stairs and bathrooms. If you can, gather in one place.
If you are outside
If you are outside, find a clear area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, power lines, unstable slopes, and cliffs: these may fall and cause injuries during an earthquake.
Drop and Cover: Drop down on your hands and knees and cover your head and neck with your arms. Stay where you are until the shaking stops.
People with a physical disability or mobility impairment
In a major earthquake, the ground shaking will make it difficult or impossible for you to move any distance.
If possible Drop, Cover, and Hold.
If you cannot safely get under a table, move near an inside wall of the building away from windows and tall items that can fall on you.
If you have difficulty getting onto the ground, or cannot get back up again without the help of a caregiver, then follow these recommendations:
If you are in a recliner or bed, Stay, Cover, Hold: Stay in bed. Cover yourself by pulling the sheets and blankets over you. Hold your pillow over you to protect your head and neck.
If you are using a cane, Drop, Cover and Hold or sit on a chair or bed and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.