It's not the shaking that hurts. It's the stuff that falls on your head. Collapsing walls, flying glass and falling objects cause most quake-related injuries and deaths.

If inside: Stay there. Take cover under a stout piece of furniture or against an inside wall and hold on.

If outdoors:

• Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires.
  
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

If in a moving vehicle:

• Stop quickly and stay in the vehicle.
• Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires.
• Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.

Next: Recover from the first tremor

Plan ahead
Build a survival kit
Make a family plan
Protect your pets

Main Disaster Guide

Emergency contacts
Emergency agencies
Insurance information