Advice in Case of an Earthquake

An earthquake jolted LA, California on Sunday morning with a magnitude of 4.7.  So far reports say there were no injuries.  What does your instinct tells you to do in a moment like that?  Many of us want to run outside, but is this the best choice?  Here are a few tips for your safety in case of an earthquake.

What if the earthquake catches you outdoors?

• stay right where you are;

• if you’re near a streetlights, buildings or utility wires, move away.

What if the earthquake catches you indoors?

• drop to the ground; get under furniture and cover your head with your arms; if case there’s no table or other piece of furniture, go in an inside corner of the building – it’s best to crunch;

• stay away from windows, glass, outside walls and doors, and anything that could fall;

• if you’re in bed  stay there if you aren’t near anything that could fall.  You can protect your head with a pillow;

• if you’re near a doorway that you know it’s strongly supported,  use it for shelter;

• stay there until the shaking stops;

• don’t get scared if the alarms start – it usually starts when the electricity goes out;

• don`t use the elevators under any circumstances.

What if the earthquake catches you in a moving vehicle?

• pull over and stay in the vehicle.  Avoid staying near anything that could fall.  Other things to avoid while driving after an earthquake:  bridges, ramps, or roads that were damaged by the earthquake.

What if you’re trapped under debris?

• don’t light a match;

• don’t move – you may kick up dust;

• cover your mouth with your clothes or a handkerchief;

• tap on a wall or a pipe so you can be located.  Screaming should be your last resort because it can make you inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Sometimes the earthquake is announced.  In this case you should pack anything that works on batteries and has a radio, a flashlight, snacks and water.  Stay safe!