6 Tips for Staying Safe During Earthquakes

When an earthquake hits, many people feel stress and panic because they don’t know what to do. Even small earthquakes can be startling because of the loud noises and the uncertainty about your safety and also your loved ones safety.

Preparing ahead of time is the best thing you can do to stay calm when an emergency happens. Today, we are sharing important information about what you should do if an earthquake happens.

1. Stay Where You Are

Instead of running to another place, a better solution is to stay where you are. There is a lower risk of injury if you minimize movement. If you are indoors, look for protection. If you are outside, then move into an open area so you are away from power lines, buildings, or anything else that might fall on you.

2. Don’t Get Out of the Car

If you are driving, then stop the car and move out of traffic as much as possible. Don’t stop on or under an overpass or bridge. Avoid power lines, light posts, trees, or signs that could fall on your car. The best thing you can do is stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.

3. Drop to the Floor

Staying low on the floor helps you avoid being knocked over by the movement. If it is a strong earthquake, then the shaking could make you fall. Staying on the floor allows you to move around if necessary (by crawling), and you can still maintain as much stability as possible to prevent a fall.

4. Cover Your Head and Neck

Look for furniture or anything that is large enough for you to hide under. A table or bed can offer cover and protection so that you aren’t hit by falling objects. If there is nothing for you to stay under, then drop to the floor, bend over, and place your hands over your head. Look for an object you can hold over your head, such as a pillow. While it’s best to cover your entire body, the priority is to make sure that your head and neck are covered.

5. Hold On

Keep yourself in place by holding onto your shelter. For example, if you are under a table, then you can grab onto the legs of the table to keep yourself from moving away from the shelter while the ground is shaking. If there is no furniture around to use for shelter, then lean against an interior wall or stay in a doorway so you are positioned under the doorframe.

6. Watch Out for Falling Objects

Most injuries or deaths that occur during an earthquake are caused by falling objects. Position yourself in the room to stay away from potentially hazardous objects. For example, move away from windows, glass, chimneys, light fixtures, bookshelves, wall hangings, or anything else that could fall.

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Written by Becki Andrus in partnership with wrought iron door manufacturers Abby Iron Doors