The Best Practice for Surviving an Earthquake

Why Earthquakes Occur

• Earthquakes occur as a result of the movement of the Earth’s crust along fault lines. When a part of the Earth moves along a fault line relative to another part, this has the impact of releasing energy and creating vibrations. The impact of these vibrations causes the ground to shake in an effect that people on the Earth’s surface experience as an earthquake.

Surviving an Earthquake

• If you are inside your home when an earthquake occurs, the best practice is to get under a table or other strong piece of furniture and hold on until the quake stops. Avoid going near glass or fixtures that could fall and hurt you. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that if you are in bed when an earthquake occurs, stay there. If you are at risk of being hit by a fixture that is above the bed, though, move to a safer place.

Outside or Inside?

• If you are inside your house, don’t go outside until you are completely sure that the risk from the earthquake is past. If you happen to be outside when an earthquake occurs, don’t try to get indoors -- stay outdoors. Avoid buildings, walls and electric wires. Also stay away from streetlights.

Other Earthquake Safety Tips

• If you are driving when an earthquake occurs, stop the vehicle as soon as possible. However, don’t stop the vehicle near dangerous spots such as buildings and electric wires. Don’t get out of the vehicle -- stay inside. If you find yourself trapped under the debris from the earthquake, don’t attempt to move or light a match. Use a piece of cloth, such as a handkerchief, to cover your mouth so that you don’t breathe in dust. Don’t shout in an attempt to attract rescuers, since you could also inhale dust that way.