Almost as important as knowing what to do in an earthquake, is knowing what not to do. In short: don’t run outside and don’t shelter in a doorway.
Even after an earthquake, staying inside is the safest step you can take. lf the building you are in is damaged and is unsafe, before going outside survey the area and the situation to make sure it’s safer outside.
I will reshoot this video one of these days, but for now, this is a pretty good illustration of a basic kit, and can give you an idea of the types of items you might want to add to your own kit.
Whatever you do, get a kit!
This is the simplest step you can take in the bedroom for earthquake and emergency preparedness.
Before going to bed, put your keys and wallet in a pair of pants and leave them on the floor next to your bed along with a pair of sturdy shoes. In case of a fire or earthquake, you can get dressed, put on shoes and you are ready to go.
Sometimes you can’t get under a table or a desk, so the next best thing to do is “get down” (and I don’t mean dance).
Here’s what to do if you’re in bed when an earthquake hits.
When the shaking starts, the best place to be is under a sturdy table, desk, bench — anything that gives you protection from falling debris from ceilings and walls. Here’s how to ride out an earthquake under a table.
A lot of people ask me about the “Triangle of Life,” which recommends sheltering next to objects – and is NOT recommended by reputable safety experts. If you want more information on what to do (and you want information debunking the “Triangle of Life”) visit http://www.EarthquakeCountry.org
Though you usually don’t have to turn off your gas, in case you need to, here’s how.
Spencer Krull 