When the ground is rumbling every second counts. Panic is not an option. Choose to act and live. If you are close enough to feel the tremor, you are close enough to the quake (or explosion) for buildings in your area to be damaged. These guidelines may help you live through such an event.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES
Keep well-made shoes and a flashlight within arm’s reach of your bed and another set near your work station. Keep a set of clothes that is easy to slip on beside your bed. If the shaking starts while you are in bed, remain there until it stops. Once the shaking stops, put on your shoes and clothing. Broken glass will easily slice through bare feet (or casual/dress shoes) and hinder your efforts to get to safety.

DUCK | COVER | HOLD
IF YOU ARE LOCATED INDOORS kneel next to an interior, weight-bearing wall. Get beneath something solid such as a strong table. Protect your head and neck with your hands. Brace yourself by holding firmly onto the object you are beneath.

IF YOU ARE IN A TALL BUILDING duck under a sturdy object. Protect your head and neck with your hands. Grasp the object shielding you to steady yourself. Use the stairs when you exit. Elevators should NEVER be used during a fire or earthquake.

IF YOUR ARE OUTDOORS
Quickly note the location of large trees and power lines. These could be falling hazards. Avoid overhead hazards such as these. Try to position yourself in an open space in order to avoid falling objects. Move away from high buildings. As much as 2 to 13 feet of glass could cover city streets below high rise buildings.

IF YOU ARE IN AN AUTOMOBILE
Don’t exit the vehicle. Locate yourself beyond the reach of overhead threats. Don’t park underneath an overhang. During an earthquake, don’t get out of your car even if it is underneath a bridge during. The vehicle’s tires act as insulation and will cushion the blow of any heavy debris that lands on your car. On an open road, you will want to pull over to the shoulder without blocking the thoroughfare. Wait for the quaking to end. Listen for reports and instructions on the car radio.

IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH
Realize that aftershocks are likely: prepare to DUCK-COVER-HOLD – again! Examine yourself for injuries. Get a flashlight. If possible, avoid the use of candles as the potential for gas leaks is great in a large event. If you are at home, locate everyone in your household. Move everyone to a safe place that you’ve agreed upon beforehand. Then, take a lap around the house to assess the damage to property – any large cracks, foundation movement, does the house look askew?

Wait for instructions from authorities before attempting to shut off natural gas. Listen to AM radio for updates/news from the Emergency Broadcast Network regarding where to go for help.

Locate any pets you own. Soothe and reassure them. To protect them from running away, restrain them or place them on a leash until it is certain they are no longer afraid. Anxiety induced bites are also prevented by taking these measures.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
Use your best instincts regarding disaster safety. Pay attention to what you see small animals and insects doing. China experienced a migration of thousands of frogs in 2008 that began on the 5th of May, a Monday. On May 12th, 7 days later, an earthquake that registered 7.8 on the Richter scale led to the death of nearly ten thousand people.

TAKE HEED
These guidelines are offered as suggestions. Considering your course of action ahead of time will increase your likelihood of survival if you find yourself in an earthquake. This advice is not meant to take the place of professional emergency aid. The reader assumes all liability when utilizing these measures.

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