An earthquake in an apartment can be a terrifying event requiring an immediate, prepared response. The sudden onset of intense ground shaking leaves little time for deliberation, making a practiced plan crucial for the confined environment of apartment living. Knowing the correct actions to take within the first few seconds significantly reduces your risk of injury. The primary danger comes not from the ground movement itself, but from flying and falling debris inside and outside the structure.
Immediate Actions When Shaking Begins
The universally recommended action for anyone indoors during seismic activity is the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique. This protocol protects you from being thrown to the ground and shields you from falling objects, which cause the majority of injuries. Drop immediately onto your hands and knees wherever you are to avoid being knocked down by the violent, lateral motion of the shaking.
The next step is to get under the nearest sturdy shelter, such as a heavy desk or dining table, and cover your head and neck with one arm. If you are under furniture, hold on to one of its legs and be prepared to move with it if it shifts across the floor. If no solid shelter is available, crawl next to an interior wall, away from windows, and use both arms to cover your head and neck.
Avoid the outdated advice to stand in a doorway, as modern residential doorways are no stronger than the surrounding walls and offer no protection from flying debris. Running outside is also dangerous, as you are likely to be injured by falling exterior components like bricks, glass, or decorative facade elements. Remain indoors and stationary until the shaking stops completely, as moving drastically increases your chance of injury.
Identifying and Avoiding Apartment-Specific Risks
The contents of your apartment often pose a greater immediate threat than the building structure itself. Unsecured items like tall bookshelves, china cabinets, and refrigerators become lethal projectiles during an earthquake. Studies show that over half of all injuries in past major earthquakes were caused by falling furniture or household objects.
The danger is amplified near large expanses of glass, which are common in apartments via sliding glass doors and picture windows. As the building sways and flexes, the window frames distort, causing the glass to shatter violently and send shards flying. Put distance between yourself and all exterior glass surfaces when the shaking starts.
Apartment complexes with “soft-story” construction, often featuring tuck-under parking on the ground floor, are uniquely vulnerable to structural failure. This lack of a solid first wall story can cause the entire building to collapse or lean significantly. Exterior features like balconies and decks may also be compromised, and the area directly outside your apartment is hazardous due to the risk of falling masonry or debris.
Safety Checks and Next Steps After the Shaking Stops
Once the ground motion has ceased, remain calm and check yourself and those around you for injuries. Move with caution, as the floor may be littered with hazards such as broken glass and spilled liquids. Before attempting to move, put on sturdy shoes to protect your feet from debris.
The first inspection should be a visual assessment of your apartment’s structural integrity. Look for large, diagonal “X” shaped cracks in concrete or masonry walls, which indicate significant structural stress. Also check for doors that are stuck, suggesting the frame has shifted. If you see any signs of major damage or if a wall is visibly leaning, evacuate immediately.
Natural gas leaks present a severe fire and explosion risk, often a major cause of post-earthquake devastation. If you smell the rotten-egg odor of mercaptan, which is added to natural gas, or hear a distinct hissing sound, turn off the gas supply. Locate your meter, often outside or in a common utility area, and use a wrench to turn the valve one-quarter turn so it is perpendicular to the pipe.
You should also shut off the main electrical breaker to eliminate the risk of sparks igniting a gas leak. Once the gas is shut off, it must remain off until a qualified professional inspects the line and turns it back on safely. Never use matches or lighters to look for damage. If evacuation is necessary, use the stairs, as elevators may be damaged, power could fail, or the elevator shaft could be compromised.