Before

• Make sure shelves are secure and designed with latching doors or raised edges to prevent objects from falling.
• Top-heavy furniture and equipment must be bolted to walls or floor. (Physical Plant can assist with these measures.)
• Store breakables and heavy objects on lower shelves. Overhead lights, heavy artwork, and mirrors need to be anchored (by Physical Plant).
• Store flammable liquids in flammable liquids storage cabinets.

During

• If you are in a building:
• Stay indoors until the shaking stops.
• Move away from windows that may break and furniture or large objects that could fall over.
• Take cover under a table, bench or desk and hold on, or go to an interior wall or hallway.
• Do not try to leave until the shaking is over.
• If outdoors,
• Stay outdoors.
• Move to an open area away from trees, buildings, utility poles and lines, or signs.
• If in a vehicle:
• Pull to the side of the road as safely as possible.
• Keep away from overhead hazards such as trees, buildings, utility poles and lines, signs, and bridges/overpasses.
• Stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.
• If you're in a theater or auditorium:
• Crouch down between the rows of seats.
• Cover your head and neck with hands and arms.
• Do not try to leave until the shaking is over.

• After the shaking stops, evacuate cautiously, taking your belongings and any emergency supplies. Do NOT re-enter the building until it has been inspected and declared safe by emergency responders.
• If safe, stabilize any laboratory procedure that could lead to further danger.
• On your way out, look for signs of building damage or for persons who are injured or trapped. Watch for falling objects as you leave the building.
• Go to your building’s Emergency Assembly Area (EAA), tell those in charge there that you are out of the building. Report injured or trapped persons and any signs of building damage you observed.
• Turn on a battery-powered or vehicle radio for information.
• Do not use the phone for local calls except emergencies, immediately following the earthquake. An overloaded phone system will delay the delivery of emergency assistance to those in need.