Earthquake Response: Life-Saving Actions Before, During, and After

Feel earthquake motion? Act immediately.

1. Drop to hands and knees.
2. Move under sturdy desk, table, or against interior wall.
3. Cover head and neck with both arms.
4. Hold on to structure or stay under table.
5. Stay in place until shaking stops (usually 20-60 seconds).

Protects you from falling objects and structural collapse. Interior walls are stronger than exterior.

Do NOT run outside. Do NOT use elevators. Broken glass and falling debris are more dangerous than staying put.

Wrong moves increase injury risk.

Do NOT:

• Stand in doorways (myth; doorways offer no protection).
• Run outside (falling debris, power lines, chimney bricks).
• Stay near windows (glass shatters).
• Hide under bed (ceiling can collapse on it).
• Use stairs (risk of falls).
• Drive (loss of control, overpasses collapse).

Stay inside under table or desk if available. If caught outside, move away from buildings, power lines, and trees.

Ruptured gas lines cause fires and explosions.

1. After shaking stops, smell for rotten-egg odor (mercaptan added to natural gas).
2. Listen for hissing sound near pipes, meter, or appliances.
3. Check kitchen and water heater areas first.
4. If you detect gas:
   • Do NOT use matches, lighters, or electrical switches.
   • Do NOT start engines.
   • Leave building immediately.
   • Move upwind, away from property.
   • Alert neighbors.
5. If no leak detected, open windows for ventilation anyway.

One spark ignites leaking gas. Turn off main valve only if you can reach it safely without entering danger zone.

Aftershocks can bring down weakened buildings.

1. Exit building and move away (at least 2 building-heights distance).
2. Look for visible damage:
   • Diagonal cracks in walls or foundation.
   • Leaning or tilted walls.
   • Collapsed sections.
   • Debris hanging from roof.
   • Separated roof from walls.
3. If damage is present, do NOT re-enter.
4. If no visible damage:
   • Test one room at a time.
   • Listen for creaking or settling sounds.
   • Check floor for cracks or soft spots.
   • Avoid upper floors initially.
5. Assume building unsafe if gas smell, water damage, or electrical hazards present.

A building that survived initial shaking may collapse during aftershocks. Err on the side of caution.

Aftershocks follow main earthquake, sometimes for weeks.

1. Expect aftershocks within hours to days.
2. Stay alert for ground motion.
3. Move to safe location (away from buildings if still outside).
4. Keep Drop-Cover-Hold On position ready.
5. Secure loose items that could fall.
6. Keep emergency supplies accessible (water, first aid).
7. Monitor for new structural damage after each aftershock.
8. Do NOT assume aftershock is mild—hold on regardless.

Aftershocks can be nearly as strong as main earthquake. Never let your guard down.

If building collapses on you, staying calm and signaling increases rescue odds.

1. Assess your space:
   • Can you move? Shift weight slowly.
   • Is air flowing? Feel for breeze on face.
   • What's above you? Avoid disturbing unstable debris.
2. Create air pockets:
   • Do NOT move large beams or columns (may trigger collapse).
   • Kick out small debris to make breathing space.
   • Stay still to minimize dust.
3. Signal for help:
   • Bang on pipes or steel with rock (3-3-3 pattern).
   • Shout only when you hear rescuers (conserves air and energy).
   • Use whistle if available (carries farther, saves voice).
4. Manage resources:
   • Sip water if available (do NOT drink all at once).
   • Breathe slowly and deeply (reduces panic, saves oxygen).
   • Stay warm if buried for extended time.
5. Estimate time:
   • Most rescues occur within 48-72 hours.
   • Humans can survive 1-2 weeks without water in moderate conditions.

Moving rubble can cause secondary collapse. Do NOT attempt to dig yourself out or move large debris unless absolutely necessary.