When the Earthquake Strikes

• Get on your knees and quickly get underneath a desk or other piece of furniture as soon as you feel the rumblings of an earthquake. The desk or furniture protects you from falling debris. Make sure everyone around you is underneath something. Do not stand or sit on the floor next to something heavy that can fall, such as a bookcase. A falling bookcase can cause severe damage.
  
  If you are not near any furniture, you can always back yourself into a corner and sit down. You can also stand in a doorway that is structurally sound. Always make sure to stay away from any doors and windows. You may want to sneak a peak at what is going on outside, but ignore that feeling and protect yourself and the people you are with. Make sure to cover your head with anything that may be around you, even if it is something small like a book or even a jacket.
  
  

Protect Your Body

• Put your head down and lace your fingers behind your neck. Put your head down as far as you can, between your knees if possible. This helps to protect your head from flying objects. You want to make your body as small as possible. Also, cover your ears. Earthquakes set off all sorts of sirens and alarms, which could cause damage to your ears. Close your eyes to protect them from any dust that the earthquake stirs up from damaged buildings and falling debris. Stay in the curled up position until the shaking stops.
  
  

Afterward

• Check to make sure that people around you are all right. Make sure no one is trapped by heavy objects or fallen debris. Look for signs of bleeding on people as the shock from the earthquake may dull their sense of pain momentarily.
  
  Make sure it is safe to exit the building if that is where you are. If necessary, wait for rescue workers to come to you and help you leave the building safely. Do not enter buildings for any reason after earthquakes until rescue and police have deemed it safe.