When the ground starts shaking, most people have only a few seconds to react. In that moment, fear can take over and lead to decisions that make a dangerous situation even worse.
Many earthquake injuries happen not because people do nothing, but because they do the wrong thing at the wrong time.
The good news is that simple safety actions can greatly reduce your risk of injury.
Experts from organizations such as the American Red Cross and the United States Geological Survey consistently recommend staying calm, protecting yourself from falling objects, and avoiding unnecessary movement during the shaking.
Here are some of the most life-threatening mistakes people make during an earthquake and the safer actions that can help protect you and your family.
1. Running outside while the ground is still shaking
Many people instinctively try to run outdoors the moment an earthquake begins. Unfortunately, this is often when they are most likely to be injured.
Falling bricks, glass, roof tiles, and other debris can strike people as they exit a building. If you are indoors, the safer choice is usually to stay where you are and protect yourself until the shaking stops.
Moving through a shaking building increases the risk of falling or being hit by debris. Stay indoors, drop to the ground, cover your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops.
If you are already outside when the earthquake begins, stay outside and move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, utility poles, power lines, and anything else that could fall.
2. Standing near windows or glass doors
Glass is one of the biggest hazards during an earthquake. Windows and glass doors can shatter suddenly, sending sharp pieces across the room.
Move away from windows, mirrors, and other large glass surfaces. If possible, take shelter under a sturdy table or desk that is not near glass.
Even decorative mirrors, glass picture frames, and large display cabinets can become dangerous if they break or fall during strong shaking.
Creating some distance from glass can greatly reduce your risk of cuts and other injuries.
3. Using an elevator
Elevators can stop working during an earthquake or become trapped between floors. Power failures and structural damage can leave passengers stranded.
Never use an elevator during or immediately after an earthquake. Even after the shaking stops, wait until emergency officials say the building is safe before using an elevator again.
Hidden damage or power outages can make elevators unsafe. If you need to leave the building after the shaking has stopped, use the stairs instead of the elevator.
4. Ignoring the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” rule
Some people freeze, while others try to move around during an earthquake.
The recommended action is simple: Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck under a sturdy piece of furniture if available, and hold on until the shaking stops.
This helps protect you from falling objects and loss of balance.
If there isn’t a sturdy table or desk nearby, stay where you are and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Avoid running across the room looking for better shelter while the ground is still shaking.
If an earthquake happens while you’re in bed, stay there unless something heavy could fall on you. Protect your head and neck with a pillow and remain in bed until the shaking stops.
Running through a dark room while the ground is moving can put you at greater risk of injury.
5. Trying to save personal belongings
People sometimes waste precious seconds grabbing a phone, laptop, purse, or other valuables.
Your safety is more important than any object. Focus on protecting yourself first. Belongings can be replaced; serious injuries are irreversible.
6. Standing under heavy furniture or hanging objects
Bookshelves, televisions, ceiling fans, mirrors, and light fixtures can fall during strong shaking.
Move away from tall furniture and hanging objects whenever possible. Choose a shelter area that is clear of items that could fall on you.
If you live in an earthquake-prone area, consider securing tall bookshelves, televisions, and heavy cabinets to the wall before an earthquake ever happens.
Taking these simple steps can prevent them from tipping over and injuring someone.
7. Driving without stopping safely
If you are driving when an earthquake strikes, continuing to drive can be dangerous. Roads may crack, and bridges or overpasses may be damaged.
Pull over to a clear area away from buildings, trees, power lines, bridges, and overpasses. Set the parking brake and stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.
Turn on your hazard lights if it’s safe to do so, and avoid stopping inside tunnels whenever possible. Stay alert for falling debris and damaged roads before driving again.
8. Going back inside a damaged building too soon
After the shaking ends, many people rush back inside to retrieve belongings, check on pets, or continue what they were doing.
Stay outside damaged buildings until emergency officials say it is safe to return. Aftershocks can cause weakened structures to collapse.
Even if a building looks normal from the outside, it may have hidden structural damage. Always wait for officials to inspect the building before going back inside.
9. Turning on matches, candles, or lighters before checking for gas leaks
Earthquakes can damage gas lines. If gas is leaking, even a small flame can trigger an explosion or fire.
If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave the building immediately and call your gas company or emergency services from a safe location.
Avoid using flames, electrical switches, or anything that could create a spark. Do not go back inside until professionals say it is safe.
10. Blocking doorways, stairwells, or emergency exits
In crowded buildings, people often rush toward exits. Stopping in a doorway or stairwell can create dangerous bottlenecks.
Keep exits clear and continue moving calmly if evacuation becomes necessary. Avoid pushing or shoving, which can cause additional injuries.
11. Standing near the coast after a strong earthquake
A powerful earthquake near the ocean can trigger a tsunami. Waiting to see whether a wave will arrive can be deadly.
If you are in a coastal area and feel a strong or long-lasting earthquake, move to higher ground as soon as it is safe to do so. Do not wait for an official warning before beginning evacuation.
A tsunami is not always a giant wave. Sometimes the ocean suddenly pulls back from the shore before a series of powerful waves arrive.
If you notice the water quickly receding, move inland and to higher ground immediately.
12. Touching fallen power lines
Electrical wires lying on the ground may still be live. Touching them, or even standing in water near them, can result in electrocution.
Stay well away from fallen power lines and report them to emergency services or the utility company. Assume every downed wire is dangerous.
Most importantly, keep children and pets away from electrical wires as well. Even if a wire doesn’t appear to be sparking, it should always be treated as if it is carrying electricity.
13. Ignoring aftershocks
Many people relax as soon as the main earthquake ends, but aftershocks can occur minutes, hours, or even days later. Be prepared to drop, cover, and hold on again if another shock occurs.
Some aftershocks are strong enough to cause additional damage to buildings that have already been weakened.
Avoid damaged buildings and continue following official safety instructions. Stay alert, especially during the first few hours after the main earthquake.
Conclusion
Earthquakes strike without warning, but the choices you make in those first few seconds can have a major impact on your safety.
The most important things to remember are to stay where you are if you are indoors, protect yourself from falling debris, avoid elevators and windows, and be cautious even after the shaking stops.
You do not need special training to survive an earthquake safely. Simple actions like dropping to the ground, covering your head and neck, moving away from glass, staying clear of damaged buildings, and avoiding fallen power lines can save lives.
Take a few minutes today to review these safety steps with your family. Decide where you would take cover in each room of your home and discuss what everyone should do if an earthquake strikes.
Being prepared before an emergency happens is one of the most powerful ways to protect yourself and the people you love.
While no one can predict exactly when an earthquake will happen, you can decide how prepared you’ll be.
Learning these simple safety steps today could help you stay calm and make better decisions if an earthquake ever strikes.
Share this information with your family so everyone knows what to do before an emergency happens. Being prepared today could save lives tomorrow.
Sources:
American Red Cross — Earthquake and Tsunami Safety Guidance
United States Geological Survey — Earthquake Safety Recommendations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Staying Safe During and After an Earthquake