Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and planning in advance can greatly reduce the chances of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake.
Things like repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead light fixtures and fastening shelves securely to walls will help reduce the impact of an earthquake.
It is also import to place large or heavy objects on lower shelves, to store breakable items such as glass and china in low, closed cabinets with latches and to hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches and anywhere people sit. Keep weed-killers, pesticides and flammable products securely on bottom shelves and in closed cabinets with latches.
Make sure all electrical wiring and gas connections are properly maintained and in good condition so they don't create fire hazards in the event of an earthquake.
Before a quake occurs, it is essential to pinpoint safe locations indoors and out to ride out the shaking. Some safe places indoors are under sturdy furniture such as heavy desks or tables, against an inside wall or in an inside corner of a building. Look around outdoors to identify open areas at home and at work. Stay away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses and elevated expressways.
If indoors during a quake, drop to the ground and take cover. Stay away from anywhere glass could shatter including around windows, mirrors, pictures or where bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over. Use a doorway for shelter only if it is close by and known to be strongly supported and load-bearing.
Stay inside until the shaking stops. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to different locations inside or try to go outside.
If outdoors during a quake, stay there. Move away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires. Once in an open space, remain there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass and falling objects.
If in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle until the shaking subsides. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake, which is a strong possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school, develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster. One idea is to ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After an earthquake, it's often easier to call long distance than to make a local call. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of this contact person.
Be prepared for aftershocks. They are usually less violent than the main quake but
can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in
the first hours, days, weeks or even months after the initial quake.