Earthquakes are sudden, violent shifts in the Earth’s crust that release immense energy, threatening people through falling objects and structural failure. The rapid, unpredictable nature of seismic shaking means immediate reaction is often the difference between safety and injury. During the few seconds of ground movement, the primary goal is not to escape the building, but to protect the body from falling debris and collapsing fixtures. This requires knowing the precise, actionable steps to take immediately, whether inside a structure or in an open area.
The Primary Decision Drop Cover Hold On
When the ground begins to shake, the instinctive desire to run outside is the most dangerous response. Moving more than a few feet during strong shaking significantly increases the risk of being thrown off balance and injured by a fall. The most common cause of injury or death during an earthquake is being struck by flying or falling objects, not the ground movement itself.
The area immediately outside a building is particularly hazardous. Exterior walls, windows, and architectural details often break away first, exposing a person attempting to evacuate to falling glass, bricks, and masonry. For most people in modern buildings, the safest immediate action is to follow the internationally recognized “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” protocol. This three-part action protects the body by quickly reducing the profile and securing shelter before the shaking intensifies.
Executing Indoor Safety Protocols
The “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” (DCHO) sequence starts with dropping immediately to the hands and knees before the earthquake knocks you down. This allows for quick movement if a better shelter is nearby. The next step is to take cover by crawling beneath a sturdy object, such as a heavy desk or table, which can shield you from light fixtures, ceiling plaster, and unsecured furniture. Once under the shelter, you must hold on to one of the legs or a fixed part of the object, preparing to move with the shelter if the ground shifts it.
If no sturdy table is available, drop to the floor next to an interior wall, away from windows and exterior walls, and cover your head and neck with both arms. Avoid high-risk locations like large appliances, heavy cabinets, or unanchored furniture, as these items can topple over. It is also important to avoid doorways in modern homes, as they are not inherently stronger than other parts of the structure and do not protect against falling objects.
For people who cannot drop to the floor, such as those in a wheelchair, lock the wheels to prevent movement and bend over to cover the head and neck with a pillow or arms. If you are in bed, remain there, lie face down to protect vital organs, and use a pillow to shield your head and neck until the shaking stops entirely. The entire protective action should be completed within a few seconds, moving no more than five to seven feet to reach a safe location.
Essential Protocols When Already Outdoors
If you are already outside when the seismic waves begin, safety instructions focus on creating distance from all overhead hazards. Stay outside and move quickly to the nearest clear, open area, far from anything that could fall. This includes buildings, especially near exterior walls, which is the most dangerous zone due to the potential for facade, glass, and cornice collapse.
Other hazards to avoid are streetlights, utility poles, overhead wires, and large trees, which can snap or topple during intense shaking. If driving, you should pull over immediately to a clear location, stopping away from bridges, overpasses, and anything that could fall onto the vehicle. Once in the open, drop to the ground, crouch low, and use your arms to cover your head and neck until the motion subsides.
Immediate Actions After the Shaking Stops
Once the primary shaking ends, the immediate danger is not over. Aftershocks can occur minutes or hours later and may be strong enough to cause further damage to weakened structures. You should be prepared to repeat the Drop, Cover, and Hold On sequence instantly if any subsequent shaking is felt. Before moving, you must assess yourself for injuries and administer first aid, then check on others nearby.
Next, carefully check for post-quake hazards, starting with utilities, especially natural gas. If you smell gas or hear a distinct leaking sound, you must evacuate immediately. Do not use any electrical switches or strike a match, as a spark could ignite the gas. Turning off the main gas valve requires a specific wrench and should only be done if a leak is suspected, as the utility company must restore service once the valve is shut.
Electricity should be turned off at the main breaker to prevent fire from damaged wiring or appliances. The water main should be shut off if pipes are broken to conserve the supply and prevent contamination. If you must evacuate a damaged building, avoid using elevators, which may be compromised, and instead use the stairs, watching carefully for fallen debris and structural instability.