Surviving an Earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On Guidelines

Safety Guidelines During an Earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On

In the face of an earthquake, quick and informed action can mean the difference between safety and injury. The following guidelines will help you protect yourself during an earthquake:

1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On

   • Drop: Immediately get down onto your hands and knees wherever you are. This position reduces the risk of falling objects impacting you.

   • Cover: Use any avlable sturdy piece of furniture like a table or desk as cover for your head and neck area if possible. If no shelter is nearby, move towards an interior wall and use whatever items are closest to protect yourself from falling debris.

   • Hold On: Once dropped and covered, hold onto the furniture securely. This prevents you from being knocked down by any moving objects or shaking.

2. Safety Inside

   • Stay indoors during the earthquake; rushing outdoors increases your risk of injury due to falling debris, collapsing structures, and flying objects like glass shards.

   • Avoid areas with hanging items that could fall and watch for potential hazards such as bricks from chimneys or windows bursting open under pressure.

3. Quick Evacuation

   • If you're in a building designed before 1980, do not stand near doors, which can become unstable during an earthquake.

   • Stay clear of tall furniture and heavy objects that could fall over. Secure them beforehand to minimize the risk.

4. Kitchen Safety

   • In case of fire or gas leaks due to shaking, turn off your stove before trying to find cover. Open windows for ventilation if possible, but avoid opening cabinets as they can swing open unexpectedly.

5. Bedroom Strategy

   • If you're in bed during an earthquake, protect yourself by holding onto the mattress and covering your head with a pillow or blanket. The goal is to minimize exposure to falling objects.

6. High-Rise Building Guidance

   • In high-rise buildings, stay put in your current location rather than rushing for doorways since they are no stronger than any other part of the structure.

   • Avoid elevators if possible as power outages may occur and sprinkler systems could be activated by seismic activity.

7. Outdoor Survival

   • If you're outside when an earthquake occurs, move away from buildings, trees, overhead cables, fuel lines, and water tanks to minimize exposure to falling debris.

   • Seek refuge in a spacious open area until the shaking subsides; once safe, proceed with caution as aftershocks are likely.

8. Moving Vehicle Response

   • If you're driving when an earthquake strikes, pull over safely onto the shoulder or curb, away from overhead cables and utility poles.

   • Avoid sudden movements; instead, park your car securely in place with the parking brake engaged to prevent rolling.

9. Preparedness and Resources

   • Regularly prepare by assembling a basic emergency kit including essentials like water, food, batteries, and flashlights for any disaster scenario.

   • Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes from your home or office, and practice drills regularly to stay alert and prepared.

10. Immediate Action Post-Earthquake

    • Once the earthquake subsides and you're safe, stay tuned to local radio channels for emergency instructions.

: Knowledge of these guidelines can help minimize panic during an earthquake and ensure you remn as safe as possible in your home or workplace. Always prioritize personal safety over property protection.

Crediting Sources:

The above information is based on guidelines developed by the American Red Cross, FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other reputable disaster management organizations globally known for their expertise in preparing communities for earthquakes.

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This article is reproduced from: https://www.cdc.gov/earthquakes/safety/stay-safe-during-an-earthquake.html

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