How to protect yourself during an earthquake

Wherever you are when the earthquake starts, take cover immediately and stay there until the shaking stops.

If indoors...

    * Stay there. Don't run outside.
    * Take cover under a heavy table, desk or any solid furniture and hold on. If in a hallway, crouch down against an inside wall.
    * Avoid doorways. Doors may slam shut and cause injuries.
    * Protect your head and face.
    * Move away from windows, glass partitions, mirrors, fireplaces, bookcases, tall furniture, light fixtures.
    * If in a wheelchair, lock the wheels and protect the back of your neck and head.
    * If in a hotel, keep shoes under the bed, clothes close-by. Consider travelling with a battery-powered radio and flashlight -- and extra batteries. Identify the safest place in your hotel room to take shelter (such as under a table); read all material on safety provided in your room and note the emergency exits on your floor.
    * Do not use elevators. If you're in an elevator during an earthquake, hit the button for every floor and get out as soon as you can.

If outdoors...

Stay there. Try to move to a safe spot away from windows, buildings, overhead wires or telephone poles.

If in a vehicle...

Try to pull over to a safe place. Try not to block the road. Park away from bridges, overpasses and buildings, if possible. Stay in the vehicle.

If in a crowded public place...

Try to take cover where you won't get trampled. If you are inside, don't run outside where you may be hit by falling debris. Sidewalks next to tall buildings are particularly dangerous. In shopping centres, try to take cover in the nearest store. Keep away from windows, skylights, and display shelves laden with heavy objects.

If at school...

Get under a desk or table and hold on. Face away from windows.

If on a bus...

Stay in your seat until the bus stops.

Wherever you are, expect the ground or floor to move violently. Take cover. If you can't take cover, sit down in a crouched position and protect your head and face from falling debris and splintering glass. Remain in a protected place until the shaking stops. Expect aftershocks -- they may occur for some time after the initial quake.

Above information is from Safe Guard Canada.