The California Office of Emergency Services offers these tips to help keep you safe and injury-free during an earthquake.

  • In a High-Rise Building: Look for items that could fall, duck under a desk or table, move against an interior wall, and protect your head with your arms.  Do not use elevators.
  • Outdoors: Move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, or downed electrical wires and poles.
  • On Sidewalk Near Buildings: Duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.
  • Driving: Pull over to the side of the road and stop.  Avoid overpasses, power lines, and other hazards, and stay inside the vehicle until the earthquake is over.
  • At a Store or Other Public Place: Move away from displays and shelves containing objects that could fall, and do not rush for the exits.
  • In Your Kitchen: Move away from the refrigerator, stove and overhead cupboards. It’s a good idea to secure cupboard doors, wall hangings, cabinets and other items that could fall before an earthquake happens.
  • At a Stadium or Theatre: Stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms, staying where you are for a minute or two after the shaking stops.

Once the quake stops, it may not be over.  Prepare for aftershocks. 

Above all else, stay calm, don’t panic and use common sense.

If you have any questions contact your agent or this author.