Disasters · Immediate reference · Basic
During and After an Earthquake
Drop, Cover, Hold On — not the doorway. Then check for injuries, gas, fire and aftershocks.
This is for educational purposes only. Not professional medical, electrical, or safety advice.
Warning
Never use matches, lighters or switches if you smell gas. Leave the building first.
- 01
Skip the doorway
Standing in a doorframe is outdated advice. In modern homes doorways are no stronger than other parts of the house, and the swinging door can hurt you. Drop, Cover and Hold On instead.
- 02
Drop, Cover, Hold On
Get under a sturdy table or desk and hold a leg. No table? Crouch next to an interior wall away from windows and cover your head and neck with your arms. In bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
- 03
Don't run outside
Most injuries happen to people moving during shaking. Stay put until it stops. If already outdoors, move away from buildings, poles and wires. If driving, pull over away from overpasses and stay in the car.
- 04
Check people and hazards
Treat injuries, then check for gas smells, fire, and damaged wiring. If you smell gas, open windows, get everyone out, and shut off the gas at the meter if it is safe.
- 05
Expect aftershocks
Drop, Cover, Hold On again each time. Stay out of damaged buildings. Near a coast, if shaking was long or strong, move to high ground right away — a tsunami may follow.