where to go in earthquake

If an earthquake happens, the safest place is usually where you already are : indoors, stay inside and get under a sturdy table or desk, then protect your head and neck until the shaking stops.

Where to go

• Indoors: Drop, cover, and hold on under a sturdy table or desk.

• No table nearby: Move next to an interior wall, away from windows, tall furniture, mirrors, and hanging objects.

• Outside: Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, poles, and wires.

• In a car: Pull over safely, stop, and stay inside away from bridges, overpasses, and power lines.

• Near the coast: After strong shaking, go to higher ground immediately because of tsunami risk.

What not to do

• Do not run outside while the shaking is happening.

• Do not stand in a doorway as your main plan.

• Do not use elevators during the quake.

Simple rule

A good memory trick is: if you’re inside, stay inside; if you’re outside, stay outside. The goal is to get low, protect your head, and avoid falling objects and glass.

If you want, I can turn this into a 1-minute earthquake safety checklist.