How To Stay Alive During An Earthquake

Earthquakes can strike at any time and without notice. We can't predict when the next great earthquake will strike, but we can start preparing now to survive and limit the damage. A plan is the first step toward being prepared.

Prepare ahead of time, not after

Start preparing for an earthquake before it happens, not after it does. Stock up on freeze-dried food, water, and an emergency pack for each member of the family. Remember not to eat or drink from open compartments, especially if they're near shattered glass. If your home's water supply is cut off, you can drink from your water heater, melted ice cubes, or canned veggies. Drinking water from swimming pools and spas is not recommended. If feasible, purify all of the water before drinking it with water filter bottles and water purification pills.

Drop, Cover, and Hold

Drop, Cover, and Hold-On are the three steps to a successful drop. Stay put if you're inside. Hold on to the underside of a desk or table. Avoid windows and shaky materials like furniture, appliances, knives, and other sharp objects. Try not to flee a swaying structure. You can be struck by falling debris before you make it out.

It doesn't take long for a structure to begin to fall apart. Particularly in the case of older structures that do not meet contemporary construction requirements. The structural design of newer buildings and bridges is intended to reduce the impacts of earthquakes. Instead of being inflexible and breaking apart, they are engineered to swing and flow with the action.

What should you do if it's raining outside?

If you're outside, move away from any limiting influences, such as structures, power lines, and smokestacks.

What to Do If You're Driving While Intoxicated

If you're driving, come to a complete stop. Keep your car out of the way of any activity (construction, moving vehicles, etc.) and avoid stopping beneath any scaffolding, bridges, trees, light posts, or signs. Remain seated in your vehicle until the shaking stops. When the trembling stops, use the first aid supplies in your roadside emergency pack if required, and seek help. Continue driving cautiously, keeping an eye out for any road impediments.

What to do if you're in the vicinity of mountains

Keep a watch out for falling boulders, avalanches, trees, and other debris that may be released by the earthquakes if you're in mountainous terrain.

Put on some shoes with thick soles

Put on a pair of sturdy, thick-soled shoes if you can -- in case you step on broken glass, garbage, and so on.

Be on the lookout for aftershocks

Be mindful of the possibility of aftershocks. A greater tremor might strike when you least expect it.

The greatest method to survive an earthquake is to prepare ahead of time, rather than afterward. Create a family emergency plan and get an emergency kit.