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What to do:

 
What to do During an Earthquake
 
  Minimize your movements during an earthquake to a few steps to a nearby safe place.
Stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
 
 
  If you are indoors:
 
  • Take cover under a sturdy desk, table, or bench or against an inside wall, and hold on. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
 
  • Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
 
  • If you are in bed when the earthquake strikes, stay there. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
 
  • Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported doorway.
 
  • Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside.
 
  • Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
 
  • If the lights go out, use a battery-operated flashlight. Don't use candles, matches, or lighters during or after the earthquake. If there is a gas leak, an explosion could result.
 
  • DO NOT use the elevators.
 
 
 
  If you are in a crowded indoor place:  
 
 
  • Do not rush for the doorways. Others will have the same idea.
 
  • Move away from display shelves containing objects that may fall.
 
  • If you can, take cover and grab something to shield your head and face from falling debris and glass.
 
 
 
  If you are outdoors:  
 
 
  • Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
 
  • Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.
 
 
  If you are in a moving vehicle:  
 
 
  • Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
 
  • Stay in the vehicle, set the parking brake, and turn on the radio for emergency broadcast information.
 
  • Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Watch for road damage, downed utility poles and wires, and fallen overpasses or bridges.
 
 
 
  If you are trapped under debris:  
 

 

  • Do not light a match.

 

 
  • Do not move about or kick up dust.

 

 
  • Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

 

 
  • Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available.
    Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust, so shout only as a last resort.
 
 
 
 

Be Responsible - Be Ready - Be Prepared
Your Emergency Preparedness Team
Kings County Fire Department - Office of Emergency Management

280 Campus Drive Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 582-3211, Ext. 2634

www.kingscountyoem.com
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