During an earthquake, duck or drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold onto it so that it doesn't move away from you. Wait there until the shaking stops.

The area near the exterior walls of a building is the most dangerous place to be. Windows, facades, and architectural details are the first parts of the building to collapse. To stay away from this danger zone, stay inside if you are inside and outside if you are outside.

Do not try to run outside or to another room--severe shaking will make it difficult to move. Duck, cover, and hold--wherever you are. Doorways are no safer than elsewhere in the building. If your building actually begins to collapse, you are safest under a sturdy piece of furniture that can shield you from falling debris.

• Indoors:
  • Duck, cover, and hold. If you are not near a desk or table, drop to the floor against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, mirrors, and tall furniture.
• In a high-rise:
  • Duck, cover, and hold. Avoid windows and other hazards. Do not use elevators. Do not be surprised if sprinkler systems or fire alarms activate.

• Outdoors:
  • Move to a clear area if you can safely do so; avoid power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles, and other hazards.
• Driving:
  • Pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs, and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over. If a power line falls on the car, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
• In a stadium or theater:
  • Stay at your seat and protect your head and neck with your arms. Don't try to leave until the shaking is over. Then walk out slowly watching for anything that could fall in the aftershocks.