In an earthquake it is important that you act immediately and DROP, COVER, HOLD.
(Drop, Cover, Hold graphics courtesy of
www.dropcoverholdon.org.)
- DROP to the floor somewhere close to you - no more than a few steps or less than two metres away - to avoid injury from flying debris.
- Seek COVER under a strong table.
- HOLD on to a table leg to keep it from moving away from you.
- Alternatively take shelter next to an interior wall, away from windows that can shatter, tall furniture and hanging objects that can fall on you, and fireplaces with chimneys that can topple over and crash through the roof. Protect your head and neck with your arms.
Keep in mind that in modern homes doorways are no stronger than any other part of the structure and usually have doors that can swing and injure you if the ground is shaking.