Earthquake Safety: Drop, Cover, and Hold On

Earthquake Safety

• Drop to your hands and knees

• Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand

• If possible, crawl underneath a sturdy table or desk

• If no shelter, crawl next to an interior wall

• Hold On until shaking stops

• If unable to drop, sit and bend over covering head and neck

• If using a wheelchair or walker, lock wheels and cover head and neck

Earthquake Safety

Trivia: If you are unable to drop to your hands and knees during an earthquake, sit and bend over covering head and neck. Other options include crawling underneath a sturdy table or desk, or crawling next to an interior wall. Remember to lock wheels if you are in a wheelchair.

Earthquake Safety

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Protect yourself immediately during an earthquake.

• Indoors: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Avoid

  exterior walls, windows, and heavy objects.

• In Bed: Lie face down, Cover your head and

  neck with a pillow, and Hold On.

• In a Multiple-Floor Building: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Avoid windows and elevators.

• In a Classroom: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

Indoor Earthquake Safety

Trivia: Did you know that hiding under a table is the safest action to take during an earthquake when you are indoors? It provides protection from falling objects and helps to prevent injuries. Remember to stay calm and find a sturdy table to take cover under. Stay safe!

Earthquake Safety

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: The recommended action during an earthquake.

• Special Considerations: Different settings may require specific safety measures.

• Stadium or Theater: Drop to the ground, cover your head, and hold on to your neck.

• Store: Seek extra protection by getting next to a shopping cart or beneath clothing racks.

• What NOT to do: Avoid doorways as they do not provide adequate protection.

• Outdoors: Move to an open space, away from hazards, and then drop, cover, and hold on.

• Driving: Pull over to the side of the road and avoid overpasses, bridges, and power lines.

Earthquake Safety

Trivia: Did you know that during an earthquake, it is recommended to move to an open space, away from hazards, and then drop, cover, and hold on? Avoid doorways as they do not provide adequate protection. Stay safe!

Earthquake Safety

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Stay inside and take cover until the shaking stops. Avoid fallen debris, cracked pavement, and emergency vehicles.
• Near the shoreline: Walk quickly to high ground or inland as a tsunami may arrive within minutes. Don't wait for officials to issue a warning.
• Below a dam or reservoir: Know flood-zone information and have an evacuation plan to reach high ground.

Shoreline Safety

As soon as shaking reduces enough that you are able to stand, walk quickly to high ground or inland as a tsunami may arrive within minutes. Don’t wait for officials to issue a warning. Walk, rather than drive, to avoid traffic, debris, and other hazards