What do you do in a building during an earthquake?

Answer 1

Most earthquakes you can feel won't do much damage. But big ones can.

It's best to prepare some thing before an earthquake:

• Secure book cases and other large furniture to the walls with appropriate fasteners drilled or driven into the wall studs
• Strap the water heater to a wall to prevent it from toppling
• Ask an expert contractor for tips on how to secure the frame of the house to the foundation.
• Make an emergency plan with friends and family so that you can get back together in a safe place after the earthquake.
• Make sure you have water and some food on hand--at least three days worth--in case water and food are unavailable.
• Make sure you have a windup radio or battery radio with fresh batteries.
• Keep cell phone charged, but cell phone traffic may be limited. Turn it off if cell networks are jammed to save the battery. If you need to communicate, text messages are more likely to get through.

During the earthquake:

• I think the best advice now is to find a piece of heavy furniture--like a desk or heavy table--and duck under. If debris falls, it will fall on and around the furniture.
• Unless you know for certain that the building you are in is seriously unsafe--such as a brick or other unreinforced-masonry building--it is better to stay inside. Avoid falling debris outside.
• If you choose to flee the building, make sure you go to a place where you cannot be struck by falling debris from buildings. The tops of buildings--parapets on brick buildings, for example--can fall and injure those standing near-by.

After the ground stops shaking:

• Stay clear from buildings with loose or falling debris
• Stay away from downed power lines--they may be live.
• Tune the radio to stations carrying emergency information
• Avoid driving--substantial highway damage may have occurred
• If you have family, try to plan before the quake for a common meeting point in an area unlikely to be damaged, such as a near-by park or open field.

There are other suggestions, but these are things to think about.

Answer 2

Once it occurs. You must quickly go under a table in order to avoid objects hitting your head. Also hold on the table's feet.

Or get out of and away from any buildings.

Answer 3

either hide under a table or stand underneath a door frame

Answer 4

Depending on the magnitude of the earthquake, would be helpful a strong prayer.

On places that earthquakes could happen, a bunker beneath the house would be very protective....