Earthquakes

During an Earthquake

Stay Put

Stay where you are until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not try to exit a building during shaking.

If you are already outdoors, move away from buildings, streetlights, utility poles, and power lines.

If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits and stay inside the vehicle. If possible, avoid stopping under buildings, trees, overpasses, and power lines. If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not attempt to get out of the vehicle. The line may be energized and could cause serious harm or death if exposed to the electric current. 

1. Drop or Lock

• Drop to the ground if you are able to. If you need to move a short distance to reach cover, it is safer to crawl there than try to walk during intense shaking.
• If using a walker, lock your walker in place and sit on the seat (if available)
• If using a wheelchair, lock the wheels of your wheelchair.

2. Cover

• If possible, take cover under a desk or table. 
• If not available or not possible, use anything to cover your head and neck such as a pillow, cushion, chair, or your hands.
• If no covering is available, position yourself against an interior wall. Pick a location free from any windows or object overhead that could fall on you like artwork, photo frames, or ceiling fixtures.
• If you need to crawl a short distance, make sure to bring your cane or assistive device with you so that you can use it to get up and get around after the shaking.

3. Hold On

• Hold on to the item you are using for cover. During intense shaking, the desk or table may shift locations or any other cover items may shake off you.
• If you are sitting on a walker or wheelchair, hold on to your walker or wheelchair. Strong shaking may knock you off your walker or wheelchair if you are not holding on.

After an Earthquake

Be Prepared for Additional Shaking and Tsunamis

The earthquake you experienced may result in aftershocks or it may be a foreshock before an even larger earthquake. Be prepared to protect yourself if more shaking happens. 

If you are in an area at risk for Tsunami, grab your go bag and evacuate to higher ground or move inland. Do not return until told it is safe to do so or told the risk for Tsunami is over.

Check your Surroundings

Check for injuries where you are and for damage to the structure you are in. Be alert as damage to a building may lead to leaking gas, gushing water, or downed power lines.

Turn off your gas main if you smell gas, hear a hissing sound, see a broken gas line or the dials on the meter spinning faster than normal, or if you suspect a leak. Do not turn your gas back on once it has been shut off. You must have a professional turn your gas line back on.

When to Evacuate

If your building is visibly unsafe, such as:

• major structural damage
• large cracks running up walls
• the house is no longer sitting on its foundation

If you see any major damage, grab your Go Bag and evacuate to a nearby open space. Never reenter a damaged building.

Activate your Communications and Reunification Plans

If you leave home, leave a sign telling friends and family where you are heading. Try to meet up at your prearranged meeting point and notify your out of area emergency contact what you are doing so they can relay that information to others checking in with them. 

Stay Tuned 

Remain alert for official updates and emergency instructions. Tune in to local radio stations (KCBS 740AM and 106.9FM, KQED 88.5FM) and monitor AC Alerts and Genasys Protect.