During an earthquake, follow these key safety steps to protect yourself: If you are indoors:

• Drop to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over.
• Cover your head and neck with your arms. If possible, get under a sturdy table or desk for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crouch next to an interior wall away from windows.
• Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. If you are in bed, stay there, turn face down, and protect your head and neck with a pillow unless a heavy fixture above could fall, in which case move to a safer spot nearby.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors, walls, and anything that might fall like lighting fixtures or furniture.
• Do not run outside during shaking as most injuries occur when people try to move inside buildings or exit prematurely.
• Remain indoors until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside

If you are outdoors:

• Stay outside and move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines.
• Avoid doorways and areas near exterior walls where debris might fall

If you are in a vehicle:

• Stop as quickly and safely as possible and stay inside the vehicle.
• Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once shaking stops, avoiding damaged roads or bridges

If trapped under debris:

• Do not light matches or move around unnecessarily to avoid kicking up dust.
• Cover your mouth with a cloth or handkerchief.
• Tap on pipes or walls to signal rescuers; use a whistle if available. Shout only as a last resort to avoid inhaling dust

Additional advice:

• Do not use elevators during an earthquake.
• After the shaking stops, check for injuries and hazards such as gas leaks, and follow emergency plans.
• Expect aftershocks and be prepared to Drop, Cover, and Hold On again if needed

These steps—Drop, Cover, and Hold On—are widely recommended by emergency management agencies to reduce injury during earthquakes