Earthquakes: If You’re Inside

Actions to Take

During shaking:

  • Remember to duck, cover and hold
  • Duck or drop to the ground
  • Take cover under a sturdy desk, between rows of auditorium seats or against an interior wall, and protect your head and neck with your arms
  • Stay clear of windows, hanging objects, mirrors, or shelves where objects may fall
  • Hold on to furniture that covers you and protect your head and neck until the shaking stops

After shaking stops:

  • Be prepared for aftershocks
  • Do not run outside or immediately evacuate as falling debris can cause major injuries
  • Quickly gather personal items and critical work or research that needs to be saved
  • Follow evacuation routes directly to building's Emergency Assembly Area (EAA); do not attempt to use an elevator for evacuation
  • Assist evacuating people with disabilities if they need help
  • Check in with emergency staff at the Emergency Assembly Area and notify them of injured people, hazards or damages observed
  • Stay at the Emergency Assembly Area and follow directions of emergency response personnel

Additional Information/Follow-Up Activities

Determining when to go home:

If an earthquake occurs when you are not at work: