What should I do if I am in a crowded store during an earthquake?

What should I do if I am in a crowded store during an earthquake?

Mark Benthien (Director of Communication, Education, and Outreach, Southern California Earthquake Center ) gives expert video advice on: What should I expect during an earthquake?; What should I do if I am driving during an earthquake?; What should I do if I am in a high-rise building during an earthquake? and more...

If you're in a store during an earthquake, you want to do the same thing you'd do anywhere else: drop, cover and hold on. There may be a lot more things that could be falling on you in a store, especially if you're in a grocery store with lots of items on tall shelves. If possible, move quickly away out of an aisle to a more open space. Either way, just get down low, protect yourself, protect your head, and ride out the earthquake. Once the earthquake's over, proceed to the nearest exit, as instructed by the store personnel.