The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends staying wherever you are when the shaking begins. If you’re indoors, stay inside. If you’re outside, remain outdoors. Moving unnecessarily increases the risk of injury—especially near exterior walls and doorways, which can be extremely dangerous.
To stay safe indoors, follow these three essential steps:
Lower yourself to your hands and knees. This position protects you from falling and gives you better control of your movements.
Take shelter under a sturdy desk or table. If no furniture is nearby, use your arms to shield your head and neck and position yourself next to low-lying furniture or an interior wall.
Avoid:
Note: Modern doorways are no stronger than other parts of a home; standing in a doorway is no longer recommended.
Stay under cover until the shaking stops. Hold onto your shelter or keep your arms firmly around your head and neck until it’s safe to move.
Outdoors, your biggest risks come from falling objects, debris, and power lines.
Move to an open space away from:
Avoid running. Instead, drop to your hands and knees if the shaking becomes too strong, and crawl toward a safer area.
If you're behind the wheel when an earthquake starts:
If a downed power line falls on your car, do not exit. Wait for trained utility personnel to remove it.
Earthquake safety goes beyond reacting to shaking. You can strengthen your family’s preparedness by:
Being proactive helps your family respond with confidence when it matters most.
