What to do in an earthquake
Drop, cover, hold on — don't run, don't stand under a doorframe
01 What to do now
- 01
Drop immediately and cover your head and neck with your hands
- 02
Take cover under a sturdy table nearby; if there's no table, crouch low and protect your head and neck with your arms — stay away from windows, glass, exterior walls, and hanging light fixtures
- 03
If you're under a table, hold onto a table leg and move with the table without letting go, to avoid being hit by falling objects
- 04
Once shaking stops, check yourself and family for injuries first, then check for gas leaks or electrical problems
- 05
If you're outdoors, move away from buildings, signs, and utility poles, then crouch down and cover your head
02 Common myths
Running outside during shaking: moving while the ground shakes makes you more likely to be hit by falling objects, and raises your fall risk
Standing under a doorframe: modern building doorframes aren't specially reinforced — this is outdated advice
Taking the elevator to escape: elevators can malfunction and trap you during an earthquake — never use them