Knowing exactly what to do during an earthquake can mean the difference between life and death. The ground is shaking violently, alarms might be sounding, and panic can quickly set in. But if you have ingrained the right reflexes, your chances of surviving without injury increase exponentially. This article is a critical component of our complete earthquake safety guide. In this guide, we break down the definitive, expert-backed actions you must take when the shaking begins.
The Drop, Cover, and Hold On Technique Explained
The absolute gold standard for earthquake survival is the 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' technique, recommended by emergency management organizations worldwide, including FEMA and the Red Cross. When you feel an earthquake, this should be your immediate, instinctual response.
- DROP: Drop down onto your hands and knees immediately before the earthquake knocks you off your feet. This position protects you from falling but still allows you to move if necessary.
- COVER: Cover your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, get down near an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that won't fall on you, and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
- HOLD ON: Hold on to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the earthquake shifts it around.
What to Do During an Earthquake If You Are Indoors
If you are indoors when an earthquake strikes, stay indoors! Do not run outside. Most injuries occur when people try to move more than a few feet during strong shaking, or when they try to exit a building and are struck by falling exterior debris.
- In a living room or office: Drop, cover, and hold on under a sturdy desk or table. Stay away from windows, glass, heavy bookcases, or large TVs that could topple.
- In a kitchen: Quickly turn off the stove if you can do so safely and instantly, then take cover. The kitchen is one of the most dangerous places due to falling cabinets, appliances, and shattered glassware.
- In a store or supermarket: Move away from tall shelves containing heavy items. Drop, cover, and hold on next to a shopping cart or under a sturdy display. Do not rush for the exit, as doors will be jammed with panicked crowds.
What to Do During an Earthquake If You Are Outdoors
If you are outdoors, your goal is to find a clear spot away from things that can fall on you. The ground itself is rarely the danger; the danger comes from collapsing structures and falling debris.
- In an open area: Drop to the ground and cover your head and neck. Stay there until the shaking stops.
- Near buildings or power lines: Move away quickly. The area right outside a building is the most dangerous place to be. Windows, facades, and architectural details are often the first parts of a building to collapse.
- Driving a vehicle: Pull over to a safe location as quickly as possible. Avoid stopping under overpasses, bridges, large trees, or power lines. Stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. If a power line falls on your car, do not get out; wait for assistance.
What to Do During an Earthquake in Specific Situations
Earthquakes don't wait for you to be in a convenient location. Here is how to handle being caught in vulnerable or specific situations.
- In bed: Stay there. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow. You are less likely to be injured staying in bed than if you try to roll out or walk across a dark, debris-filled room.
- In a wheelchair or walker: Lock your wheels immediately. If you can, bend over and cover your head and neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow.
- In an elevator: Drop, cover, and hold on. When the shaking stops, try to get off at the nearest floor if the doors open. Do not use elevators once an earthquake has begun.
- In a high-rise building: Drop, cover, and hold on. Avoid windows and outside walls. Do not use the elevators. The building may sway violently, which is frightening but often by design. Fire alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off during earthquakes.
- In a stadium or theater: Stay in your seat. Drop to the floor between the rows and protect your head and neck with your arms. Do not panic and rush for the exits until the shaking stops.
- At school: Follow the teacher's instructions. Drop under a desk, hold on to the legs, and protect your eyes. Do not leave the classroom until instructed.
Common Earthquake Myths That Could Get You Hurt
Many people hold onto outdated or dangerous myths about what to do during an earthquake. Let's clear those up.
- The Doorframe Myth: Standing in a doorway is an outdated piece of advice. In modern homes, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house, and they offer zero protection from flying debris. You are much safer under a table.
- The Triangle of Life Myth: This controversial theory suggests sheltering next to furniture rather than under it, expecting the ceiling to fall and create a protective void. Major safety organizations reject this. In developed countries, buildings rarely collapse completely; the primary danger is falling interior items. Drop, cover, and hold on remains the best advice.
- The 'Run Outside' Myth: Running outside during shaking is highly dangerous. You are more likely to be injured by falling bricks, glass, or architectural elements while trying to exit a building than if you stay put and take cover.
What NOT to Do During an Earthquake
Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do. Under no circumstances should you do any of the following:
- Do not run outside while the ground is shaking.
- Do not use elevators.
- Do not light a match, lighter, or turn on light switches. There may be gas leaks, and a spark could cause an explosion.
- Do not stand near windows, glass partitions, or heavy, unsecured furniture.
Immediately After the Shaking Stops
Once the main shock is over, your actions in the first 60 seconds are critical. First, check yourself for injuries before helping others. If you are in a damaged building, carefully evacuate using the stairs. Be highly aware that aftershocks are likely; you should review our aftershock safety guidelines so you aren't caught off guard.
If you smell gas, leave the building immediately and leave the doors open. If it is safe, grab your earthquake emergency kit as you evacuate. To check if there are ongoing seismic events in your vicinity, you can search for earthquakes near me or view the latest earthquake map to assess the regional impact. Stay calm, stay informed, and always be prepared to Drop, Cover, and Hold On again if another tremor strikes.