the house as fast as you can. Don't do it! Ninety-nine percent of the personal injuries I documented as a FEMA inspector occured when people were thrown against walls, appliances, and furniture while trying to run out of the house.  If you must leave the house or go to another room to check on children or other family members, CRAWL.  Do not try to stand up! The earthquake will throw you down.

Drop to the floor away from any objects such as bookcases that may fall on you, crawl under a table or put your head between your knees and cover your head with your hands. Many people believe they should find a doorway and crouch in it.  This is no longer recommended.  The doors swing back and forth, sometimes violently, and will bash you in the head repeatedly.  Once the shaking stops, leave the house and go to an open area where no debris can fall from above and stay there until public officials tell you no more quakes are expected.  All Bay Area radio stations are part of the Emergency Broadcast System and will broadcast instructions for what to do and where to go following a quake.  Earthquakes usually occur in a series.  The quake you just felt may be a foreshock of something bigger. 

Keep some camping equipment on hand and have emergency supplies in a safe, easily accessible place.

The California Office of Emergency Services   
recommends the following:  

If you are indoors, duck or drop down to the floor.  Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to leave your position.  Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, wood stoves, and heavy furniture or appliances. Stay inside .  Outside, you may be injured by falling glass or building parts.  If you are in a crowded area, take cover and stay where you are. Stay calm and encourage others to do likewise.

If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings and power lines.

If you are driving, stop if it is safe, but stay inside your car.  Stay away from bridges, overpasses and tunnels.  Move your car as far out of the normal traffic pattern as possible. If possible, avoid stopping under trees, light posts, power lines or signs.

If you are in a mountainous area, or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rock and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.

If you are at the beach, move to higher ground.

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE:

Check for injuries. Do not move a seriously injured person unless he or she is in immediate danger of further injuries.

Check for hazards.

• Fire or fire hazards
• Gas leaks.  Shut off the main gas valve only if a leak is suspected or identified by the odor of natural gas. Wait for the gas company to turn it back on once the damage is repaired.
• Damaged electrical wiring.  Shut off power at the control box.
• Downed or damaged utility lines.  Stay away from downed lines, even if power appears to be off.
• Fallen objects in closets and cupboards. Displaced objects may fall when you open the door.
• Downed or damaged chimneys.  Approach chimneys with caution.  They may be weakened and could topple during an aftershock.
• Your telephone.  Make sure each phone is on its receiver. Telephones off the hook tie up the telephone network unnecessarily.

Clean up potentially harmful materials and/or medicines that may have spilled.

Anticipate tsunamis. If you live along the coast, be alert for news of tsunami warnings issued by the federal government's Tsunami Warning Center. If an earthquake is centered nearby, there will not be time to issue a warning.  If you experience a strong earthquake that lasts a very long time, move to higher ground or go to the upper floors of a building as soon as you are able and stay there until the authorities issue an all-clear.

Expect aftershocks.  Most of these are smaller than the main earthquake.  Some may be large enough to do additional damage to weakened structures.
 

Repair and Strengthen Your Home Before the Next Earthquake

Earthquakes will happen again here in the Bay Area.  The effects need not be disastrous.  Much of the damage in recent earthquakes could have been prevented.

NOW is the time to evaluate your home and install strengthening measures — before the next earthquake. Contact a licensed professional about making the necessary changes to your home so it is in compliance with current building codes.

For more from The California Office of Emergency Services go to:
       http://www.oes.ca.gov/

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