During the shaking, duck, cover and hold. Photo by Lori Dengler.
The California Office of Emergency Services recommends
- If you are indoors, duck or drop down to the floor. Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, wood stoves, and heavy furniture or appliances. Stay inside. Outside, you may be injured by falling glass or building parts. If you are in a crowded area, take cover and stay where you are. Stay calm and encourage others to do likewise.
- If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings, power lines and trees.
- If you are driving, stop if it is safe, but stay inside your car. Stay away from bridges, overpasses and tunnels. Move your car as far out of the normal traffic pattern as possible. Avoid stopping under trees, light posts, power lines or signs if possible.
- If you are in a mountainous area, or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rock and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.
- If you are at the beach. Move to higher ground as soon as the shaking stops.
- Check for injuries. Do not move a seriously injured person unless they are in immediate danger of further injuries.
- Check for hazards.
- Fire or fire hazards.
- Gas leaks. Shut off the main gas valve only if a leak is suspected or identified by the odor of natural gas. Wait for the gas company to turn it back on once the damage is repaired.
- Damaged electrical wiring. Shut off power at the control box.
- Downed or damaged utility lines. Stay away from downed lines, even if power appears to be off.
- Fallen objects in closets and cupboards. Displaced objects may fall when you open the door.
- Downed or damaged chimneys. Approach chimneys with caution. They may be weakened and could topple during an aftershock.
- Your telephone. Make sure each phone is on its receiver. Telephones off the hook tie up the telephone network. Use only in the event of a lift-threatening emergency.
- Clean up. Potentially harmful materials and/or medicines may have spilled.
- Expect aftershocks. Most of these are smaller than the main earthquake. Some may be large enough to do additional damage to weakened structures.
- Listen to the radio. Radios are your best source of damage reports and other information. Search the radio dial for Emergency Broadcast Stations near you which are on the air and able to give information.
Anticipate tsunamis
Tsunamis, sometimes called tidal waves, may be triggered by large offshore earthquakes. If you are along the coast, and an earthquake centered nearby generates a tsunami, there will not be time to issue an official warning before the wave rushes ashore. If you experience a strong earthquake that lasts a very long time, move to higher ground as soon as you are able and stay there until the authorities issue an all clear.
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Kathy Moley
31 August 1996