The immediate instinct when the ground begins to shake is often to flee a building and seek the safety of the outdoors. This response, however, is contrary to standard safety advice for seismically prepared regions. Experts advise that attempting to exit a structure during a significant earthquake places a person at a much higher risk of injury than staying put. The safest course of action is to stop moving and immediately protect oneself until the earth stops shifting.
The Standard Indoor Safety Protocol
The most effective, universally recommended protocol for anyone indoors when an earthquake strikes is the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” (DCHO) technique. This method is designed to stabilize the body and shield it from the most common cause of injury: falling and flying objects. The force of seismic waves can make running or standing impossible, so the first step is to drop immediately to the hands and knees.
The second step, Cover, involves seeking shelter beneath a sturdy object, such as a table or desk, to protect the head and neck. If furniture is unavailable, one should crawl to an interior wall—away from windows and unsecured fixtures—and use the arms to shield the head and neck. Modern research indicates that interior doorframes do not offer superior protection in most contemporary buildings.
Finally, Hold On means grasping the leg of the shelter or maintaining the protective position until the shaking completely ceases. This action keeps the body protected even if the furniture moves due to ground motion. Staying under cover addresses the reality that most earthquake injuries result from non-structural items like light fixtures, bookcases, and glass falling on people, not total building collapse.
Specific Dangers of Attempting to Exit
The urge to rush outside is dangerous because the area immediately surrounding a building is frequently the most hazardous during the shaking. The exterior components of a structure are often the first elements to fail, resulting in falling debris that can crush or severely injure anyone attempting to escape. This debris includes glass, heavy bricks, architectural facades, and sections of balconies.
Moving toward an exit also means navigating through a building while unsecured objects are flying, increasing the probability of being hit or falling. Even if a person reaches the exit, doorframes, stairwells, and hallways can become areas of structural failure or bottlenecks. The risk of being struck by falling exterior material is significantly higher than the risk of collapse in most modern, well-constructed buildings.
By moving from the protection of a stable interior space, a person exposes themselves to the perimeter hazard zone just outside the building’s walls. If you are inside, stay inside until the shaking stops.
Safety When Already Outdoors
For a person who is already outdoors when an earthquake begins, the safety protocol shifts to finding an open area away from overhead hazards. The primary risk outside is from falling objects, so the immediate action is to move away from anything that could topple. This includes buildings, utility poles, streetlights, and elevated roadways like overpasses.
Once in an open space, like a park or field, the person should drop to the ground and stay there until the shaking subsides. This prevents being knocked down and reduces exposure to debris.
If driving, safely pull over to an open location, away from bridges, signs, and power lines. Set the parking brake and remain inside the vehicle until the ground stabilizes.
In coastal regions, severe or prolonged shaking indicates the possibility of a tsunami. If the shaking is intense or lasts for more than 20 seconds, immediately move inland or to higher ground as soon as the shaking stops, without waiting for an official warning.
Immediate Post-Quake Actions
Once the ground shaking has completely stopped, the immediate focus shifts to personal safety and assessing the environment. Check for injuries on oneself and those nearby, providing basic first aid if trained. Remember that aftershocks are common and can occur minutes, hours, or days after the main event.
Everyone should be prepared to immediately repeat the Drop, Cover, and Hold On protocol if an aftershock is felt. Before attempting to move, evaluate the structural integrity of the building, checking for large cracks or significant damage. Moving cautiously is paramount, as many serious post-quake injuries result from moving too quickly through debris.
If the building is severely damaged, evacuate to an open area away from the structure, wearing sturdy shoes to protect against broken glass and debris. Once safely outside, attention must turn to utilities. If gas is suspected to be leaking—indicated by a smell of rotten eggs—turn off the main shut-off valve and notify the gas company from a safe distance. Use the phone sparingly to keep lines clear for emergency responders.