What should I do if I am indoors during an earthquake?

What should I do if I am indoors 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...

First of all, if you are indoors when an earthquake happens, stay indoors. Don't move outside. That's where people get injured from things falling off the building. When you are indoors, first thing you want to do is drop to the ground. Drop before the earthquake drops you. You are not likely going to be able to walk during an earthquake. You also want to get under something heavy if possible, like a desk or table, cover your head and get down low to make sure that you are protected from things that might be falling in your home. If you are not able to get under something, get next to an anterior wall, make yourself as small as possible, cover your head and protect yourself while the shaking is going on.