Earthquake: Drop, Cover, Hold On — and After
What to do in the first seconds of shaking and the first hours after.
Question 1
The goal
Protect yourself during shaking and deal safely with the aftermath.
Question 2
Materials
- Sturdy table or desk
- Shoes and flashlight by every bed
- Wrench for gas shutoff
- Whistle
Question 3
Substitutes
- Interior wall away from windows if no table
- Cover head/neck with arms
- Lock wheelchair and cover head
Where to find it
| Material | Household | Wilderness | Urban / scavenged |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cover | Dining table, desk | Open ground away from trees/cliffs | Interior wall, under desk |
Question 4
Step by step
- 1
DROP to your hands and knees as soon as shaking starts, before it knocks you down.
- 2
COVER your head and neck under a sturdy table; if none, crawl next to an interior wall away from windows and cover your head with your arms.
- 3
HOLD ON to the table leg and move with it until shaking stops.
- 4
Don't run outside — falling glass and bricks near exits cause many injuries. Don't stand in doorways.
- 5
If in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
- 6
When shaking stops, put on shoes, check yourself and others for injuries.
- 7
Smell for gas. If you smell it or hear hissing, leave and shut the gas off at the meter only if safe; don't use flames or switches.
- 8
Expect aftershocks; drop, cover, hold on again each time.
- 9
If near the coast and shaking was strong or long, move to high ground immediately — a tsunami may follow.
- 10
Text instead of calling to keep lines open; check on neighbors.
Saved steps go to My Survival Notebook.
Question 5
The science
Most injuries come from falling objects and debris, not building collapse in modern construction. Getting low and covered reduces exposure in the few seconds before objects fall.
Question 6
Dangers & limits
- Gas leaks and fires.
- Broken glass — wear sturdy shoes and gloves.
- Damaged buildings can collapse in aftershocks.
Question 7
How you know it worked
Everyone in the household can drop, cover and hold on within 2 seconds in a drill.