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FIRST, REMAIN CALM!

Your safety depends on the type of disaster that is occurring, and what you do about it!

There is no safe place to be during an earthquake. The following are some recommended actions to be taken in the event of an EARTHQUAKE.! The specific actions you take should be adapted to your situation and location at the time of the quake.

INSIDE a Building...

  1. Stay inside. Seek immediate shelter… DUCK, COVER AND HOLD. Try to get under something that will protect you from falling debris, such as a table or desk, and hold on to it. Stay there until the shaking stops. Try to get at least 15 feet d from any windows so you are not cut by flying glass. Never run outside during a quake. Most people are injured by falling debris. Running outside just increases your chances of being injured.
  2. If you are in a hallway or an open area of building, sit down against a wall and cover your head and neck with your hands. Remain there until the shaking stops. If you are in an elevator, go to the closest floor and get out. Sit down against a wall and cover your head and neck with your hands, and remain there until the shaking stops.
  3. NEVER TAKE ELEVATORS AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE!

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If You are OUTSIDE...

  1. Stay outside.
  2. Move away from buildings to an open area if one is readily available.
  3. Watch out for downed power lines.

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If You are DRIVING...

  1. Put on your emergency flashers and slow down to a stop. Watch for traffic approaching from the rear while doing this.
  2. Turn off the ignition and set the parking brake.
  3. Remain inside the car until the shaking stops.
  4. Do not stop on overpasses, underpasses, or bridges, and be aware of overhead hazards such as power lines or falling building debris.

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If You are in a DOWNTOWN area...

  1. It is safer to remain inside the buildings after an earthquake. Unless the building has suffered structural damage or there is a fire, chemical spill or gas leak, it is much safer to remain inside.
  2. When windows in a high-rise building break, the glass does not always fall straight down; it can catch a wind current and sail great distances.
  3. Outside is no place to be in the downtown area during or after and earthquake because of falling objects.
  4. Aftershocks can cause additional damage, and more glass and debris can fall.

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Information courtesy of – The Fremont Fire Department Community Emergency Response team Student Training Manual – ci-082/ss – 12/99

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