Provided by NOAA’s
National Weather Service
Facts
- An earthquake is the sudden, sometimes violent movement of the earth’s surface from the release of energy in the earth’s crust.
- There are over a million earthquakes that occur annually, including those too small to be felt.
- One earthquake is felt approximately every 30 seconds.
Preparedness
Know what to do when the shaking begins:
- DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
- Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit.
- If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
- If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.
- If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place. Stay in the car until the shaking stops.
Identify what to do after the shaking stops:
- Check yourself for injuries.
- Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries.
- Look for and extinguish small fires, and eliminate fire hazards.
- Listen to the radio for instructions.
- Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
- Use a telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
Click for more information regarding earthquakes from the American Red Cross