What To Do During An Earthquake

If you are in bed, stay put

If you are in bed, hold on and stay by protecting your head with a pillow or, if there is plenty of space, by hiding under the bed. You are less likely to be injured staying where you are.

Broken glass on the floor has caused injury to those who have rolled to the floor or tried to get to doorways.

Stay away from buildings, trees, and streetlights

If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop to the ground and stay there until the shaking stops. Injuries can occur from falling trees, street-lights and, power lines, or building debris.

Stay in your car

If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location, stop and stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking has stopped.

It's important to stay in a clear space as trees, power lines, poles, street signs, and other overhead items may fall during earthquakes.

Stopping will help reduce your risk, and a hard-topped vehicle will help protect you from flying or falling objects. Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.

Check yourself for injuries

Often people tend to others without checking their own injuries. You will be better able to care for others if you are not injured or if you have received first aid for your injuries.

Open any closet and cabinet doors cautiously

Contents may have shifted during the shaking of an earthquake and could fall, creating further damage or injury.

Inspect your home for damage

Get everyone out if your home is unsafe. Aftershocks following earthquakes can cause further damage to unstable buildings. If your home has experienced damage, get out before aftershocks happen.

Help neighbours/colleagues who may require special assistance

Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.

Listen for public updates

Listen to the radio, a TV, check your phone, etc. for updated emergency information and instructions. If the electricity is out, this may be your main source of information. Local radio and local officials provide the most appropriate advice for your particular situation.

Expect aftershocks

Each time you feel one, drop, cover, and hold on! Aftershocks frequently occur within minutes, days, weeks, and even months following an earthquake.

Be careful in damaged areas

Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines, and stay out of damaged areas. Hazards caused by earthquakes are often difficult to see, and you could be easily injured.

Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights...

...when inspecting your home. Kerosene lanterns, torches, candles, and matches may tip over or ignite flammables inside.

Take pictures of the damage

If your house, contents, or car were damaged, take photos for insurance claims.

When entering buildings, use extreme caution

Building damage may have occurred where you least expect it. Carefully watch every step you take. Examine walls, floor, doors, staircases, and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.

Check for gas leaks

If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbour’s home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.