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

• Stay inside and do not run outside.
• Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. If no furniture is nearby, cover your head and neck with your arms and crouch in an inside corner away from windows and outside walls.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors, and anything that could fall such as lighting fixtures or heavy furniture.
• If you are in bed, stay there, turn face down, and protect your head and neck with a pillow unless a heavy fixture could fall, in which case move to a safer spot nearby.
• Avoid doorways unless you know they are strongly supported and close by.
• Do not use elevators.
• Remain indoors until the shaking stops and it is safe to exit

If you are outdoors:

• Stay outside in an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, power lines, and anything that might fall.
• Do not move to other locations during shaking; stay put until it stops

If you are in a vehicle:

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

Additional precautions:

• Avoid using matches, candles, or any open flames due to possible gas leaks.
• After shaking stops, check yourself and others for injuries, provide first aid if needed, and check for hazards such as gas leaks, electrical damage, and structural damage.
• Be prepared for aftershocks and follow emergency plans if at school or work

These actions-commonly summarized as "Drop, Cover, and Hold On"-are recommended worldwide as the best immediate response to an earthquake to reduce injury risk