Earthquakes

• If you are indoors during an earthquake, keep calm and take cover under a heavy table or desk. Stay away from glass, windows or anything that could fall, like a bookcase.
  
  
• If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, street lights and utility wires.
  
  
• If you are in a crowded public place, do NOT rush for the doors. Everyone will be doing that. Instead, take cover under something heavy and stay away from things that could fall on you. Stay calm. Do not get in an elevator during an earthquake!
  
  
• After an earthquake, be prepared for after shocks. After shocks are follow-up earthquakes that are usually smaller than the first one. They are dangerous because they can cause things that are weakened in the first earthquake to fall down.
  
  
• If you are home and you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and get out of the building right away. It may mean that a gas line in your house has been broken. Tell your parent or another adult.
  
  
• Make sure you are wearing shoes after an earthquake. There may be broken glass on the ground and inside your home.
  
  
• If you are scared, share your fears with an adult. Earthquakes can be scary, but remember -- they only last a few seconds.