Drop! Cover! Hold On!

Get your office ready for earthquakes

• Secure tall furniture to the wall. Keep large or heavy objects on low shelves.
• Store breakable items in lower cabinets with doors and latches.
• Inspect and repair electrical wiring and gas connections; these can be potential fire hazards during an earthquake.
• Check your building for structural defects and repair cracks in your ceiling and foundation.
• Keep toxic and flammable items securely stored in cabinets with doors and latches.
• Identify safe places in your office where you will ride out an earthquake. The best protection is under heavy furniture where you are protected from falling debris.

Know what to do during an earthquake – Most deaths and injuries are due to falling walls, flying glass or debris.

• During or immediately after an earthquake, the best protection is to get under heavy furniture, such as a desk, table or bench, staying away from glass.
• The greatest danger is falling debris directly outside buildings, at exits and along exterior walls.
• If you are already outside, stay clear of buildings, power lines, overpasses and elevated expressways.
• Expect aftershocks – smaller quakes (and sometimes larger ones) that can often follow hours or days after the initial shake, causing further damage to weakened buildings and structures.
• Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing noise, open a window and leave the building immediately; turn off the gas at the outside main valve, if possible, and call the gas company.