11/10/2025
Hey friends! 👋 We can't predict earthquakes, but we can definitely be ready for them! Knowing these simple steps is the best way to keep yourself and your family safe when the ground starts shaking.
Read this, share it, and let's all be prepared!
🏠 If You Are Indoors (The "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" Method)
The safest thing to do is to protect yourself from falling and flying objects, which cause most earthquake-related injuries.
* DROP immediately onto your hands and knees. This position prevents you from being knocked down by the shaking and allows you to crawl to shelter.
* COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.
- If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter.
- If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows) and stay low.
* HOLD ON to your shelter (the table or desk) until the shaking stops. Be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts. If you have no shelter, hold onto your head and neck with both arms and hands.
Key Indoor Don'ts:
🚫 Do NOT run outside. You are more likely to be injured by falling debris (glass, bricks, etc.) just outside the building.
🚫 Do NOT stand in a doorway. In modern homes, doorways are no safer than other parts of the structure and do not protect you from falling objects.
🚫 Do NOT use elevators.
🚫 Stay away from: Windows, glass, outside doors and walls, fireplaces, and anything that could fall, like light fixtures or heavy furniture.
Special Indoor Situations:
🛏 In Bed: Stay there. Hold on and cover your head and neck with a pillow. Getting out of bed can expose you to broken glass on the floor.
🏢 In a High-Rise: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Move away from windows. Do not use the elevators.
🏬 In a Crowded Place (Store, Theater): Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Stay in your seat (in a theater) or move away from display shelves with heavy objects.
🚗 If You Are Driving or Outdoors
🚘If You Are in a Vehicle
- Pull over to a clear location away from traffic.
- Stop and set the parking brake.
- Avoid stopping near or under overpasses, bridges, trees, light posts, or utility wires.
- Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.
🛣 If You Are Outdoors
- Move to an open area away from buildings, streetlights, utility wires, and trees.
- Once in the open, Drop, Cover, and Hold On to protect your head and neck.
- Stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger is near the outside walls of buildings.
🚨 Immediately After the Shaking Stops
The immediate danger isn't over, as aftershocks can occur.
* Expect Aftershocks: Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On again.
* Check for Injuries: Check yourself and others for injuries and provide first aid if possible. Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger.
* Put on Sturdy Shoes: Glass and debris on the floor are common hazards.
* Check Utilities: Check gas, water, and electrical lines for damage. If you smell gas, open all windows and doors, leave immediately, and do not turn on any electrical switches or appliances, as a spark could trigger an explosion. Shut off the main gas valve only if you smell gas.
* If Trapped:
- Cover your mouth with a cloth to protect against dust.
- Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if available. Shout only as a last resort.
Be safe out there, everyone! Taking a moment to learn these tips is the most loving thing you can do for yourself and your community. ❤️
