Earthquakes usually come without warning. What should you do if this happens to you? Stay calm as the earth begins to shake and move. An earthquake is dangerous, but there are things you can do to protect yourself.
If you are inside when the earthquake starts, get under a table or a bed. You need to have something strong around you to protect you from falling objects. Do not stand near walls or windows and stay out of the kitchen. The kitchen is dangerous because there are so many glass objects. Also, never get into a lift during an earthquake.
If you are outside, get to an open area as fast as you can. Stay away from buildings and trees. If you are in a car, pull over to a place where there are no trees or tall buildings and stay in the car. If you are close to the sea, try to get as far away from the water as possible. Earthquakes can cause huge waves that can really harm the people nearby.
When the earthquake is over, there is still plenty of danger. If you see a fire, quickly move outdoors to an open area. Keep an eye out for things that can fall on you. If you have a phone, use it only once to call your family or a friend. Too many calls will bring down the phone system. Your chances of survival in an earthquake go up if you stay calm. Staying calm is not easy, but it can save your life.