During an earthquake, the best actions to take are summarized as "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." If indoors, drop to your hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture like a table, and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows, glass, and outside walls. If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow. If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines, and stay there until the shaking stops. If in a vehicle, stop safely and stay inside until shaking stops, avoiding stopping near hazards like bridges or power lines. Before an earthquake, prepare by securing heavy furniture and objects, knowing how to turn off gas, water, and electricity, having emergency supplies ready, and making a family or workplace emergency plan. After an earthquake, check yourself and others for injuries, provide first aid if needed, check utilities for damage and turn them off if necessary, listen for emergency updates on the radio, avoid damaged buildings, and watch out for hazards like broken glass and chimneys. Also, expect aftershocks and be cautious of tsunamis if near a coast. These guidelines help protect during the shaking and mitigate risks before and after an earthquake.