What should you do if an earthquake strikes your area?

When an earthquake strikes your area, it's crucial to take immediate action to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Here's what you should do: 1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On: If the earthquake happens while you're indoors, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture like a table, and hold on to it until the shaking stops. 2. Stay Indoors: Do not attempt to leave the building during the shaking as doors can jam or you might be injured by falling debris. 3. Be Alert for Aftershocks: Aftershocks can occur minutes, hours, or even days after the initial quake, so remain cautious. 4. Check for Injuries: Once the shaking stops, check yourself and others for injuries and provide first aid where necessary. 5. Inspect Utilities: Safely check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If you smell gas or see broken lines, alert the authorities. 6. Turn on the Radio: Use a battery-powered radio to get updates from official sources about the situation and instructions. 7. Avoid Damaged Buildings: Stay out of damaged buildings as they can collapse. Use the building's exit if available and avoid using elevators. 8. Watch Out for Hazards: Be careful around broken glass, debris, and falling hazards like damaged chimneys. 9. Stay Away from Beaches: Tsunamis can follow earthquakes, so if you're near the coast, move to higher ground. 10. Avoid Damaged Areas: Keep a safe distance from areas that have been damaged to prevent further injury.

Check yourself and others for injuries. ... Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. ... Turn on the radio. ... Stay out of damaged buildings.Be careful around broken glass and debris. ... Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you).Stay away from beaches. ... Stay away from damaged areas.More items...