Be
Red Cross
Ready - Earthquake Safety Checklist [PDF]
If you are inside when the shaking starts...
Drop,
cover and hold on. Move as little as possible.If you are
in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on. Protect your
head with a pillow.Stay away from windows to avoid being
injured by shattered glass.Stay indoors until the shaking stops
and you are sure it is safe to
exit. If you must leave the building after the shaking stops, use stairs
rather than an elevator in case there are aftershocks, power outages or
other damage.Be aware that fire alarms and sprinkler systems
frequently go off in
buildings during an earthquake, even if there is no fire.
If you are outside when the shaking starts...
Find a clear spot and drop to the ground. Stay there until the
shaking stops (away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights).If
you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop.
Avoid bridges, overpasses and power lines if possible. Stay inside with
your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Then, drive carefully,
avoiding bridges and ramps that may have been damaged.If a
power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for
assistance.If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable
slopes or cliffs,
be alert for falling rocks and other debris. Landslides are often
triggered by earthquakes.