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Earthquake Preparedness
What To Do During An Earthquake
- If you are indoors, drop, cover, and hold on. Take cover under a desk or table and hold onto it until the shaking stops. Avoid glass that might shatter and heavy objects that might fall on you. If you can’t get under a table or desk, crouch against a sturdy wall in a place where nothing heavy is above you and no windows are nearby.
- If you are in a crowded area, stay calm and take cover where you are. Encourage others to do the same.
- If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings and power lines.
- If you are driving, pull over and stop if it is safe, but stay inside your car. Try not to stop under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs. Avoid bridges, overpasses and tunnels.
- If you are in a wheelchair lock your wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops. Protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, book or whatever is available.
- If you are near the ocean, move quickly to higher ground or move several hundred yards inland.
- If you near unstable slopes, be alert for falling rock, snow, and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.
Practice Makes Perfect
Alaska is the most seismically active state in the US and experienced the second-largest earthquake ever reported in 1964, a 9.2 magnitude quake in Prince William Sound that killed 132 people. When the earth shakes, you never know how strong it will be!
Practicing how to Drop, Cover and Hold on and other aspects of your emergency plans is key being prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes.
Participating in the Great Alaska ShakeOut event, held every October 17th at 10:17 am, is a great way to make practicing an annual event -- at home or work. To learn more and register to be counted among the millions participating in ShakeOut events worldwide go to The Great Alaska ShakeOut webpage.
After An Earthquake
If you are near the coast, move to higher ground and stay there until the authorities issue an “all clear.” Be alert for tsunami warnings, but if you experience a strong earthquake, there may not be time for a warning to be issued.
Check for injuries. Do not move a seriously injured person unless they are in immediate danger of further injuries.
Check for damage. Shut off the main gas valve only if a leak is suspected. Check oil and propane tanks including supports, pipes, and hoses. Shut off the power to your house if you suspect wiring is damaged.
Avoid downed power lines. Stay away from downed lines even if power appears to be off.
Remember that more earthquakes (or aftershocks) usually follow a large earthquake. Some aftershocks may be large enough to do additional damage to weakened structures.
