During an earthquake
If you are outdoors, stay outdoors; if indoors, stay indoors. In earthquakes, most injuries occur as people are entering or leaving buildings. If indoors, take cover under a heavy desk, table, bench, or in doorways, halls, or against inside walls. Stay away from glass. Don't use candles, matches, or other open flames either during or after the tremor because of possible gas leaks. Douse all fires.

If in a high-rise building, get under a desk or similar heavy furniture. Do not dash for exits, since stairways may be broken and jammed with people. Never use elevators since power may fail.

If in a crowded store, do not rush for a doorway since hundreds may have the same idea. If you must leave the building, choose your exit as carefully as possible. If outdoors,move away from buildings and utility wires. The greatest danger from falling debris is just outside doorways and close to outer walls. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

If in a moving car, stop as quickly as safety permits, but stay in the vehicle. A car may jiggle violently on its springs during an earthquake, but it is a good place to stay until the shaking stops. When you drive on, watch for hazards created by the earthquake, such as fallen or falling objects, downed electric wires, or broken undermined roadways.