What to Do in Specific Emergency Situations
The breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth’s surface causes earthquakes. Some areas are at a much greater risk for earthquakes. Earthquakes can lead to building and bridge collapse and can result in fires, explosions, flooding, and land-
slides. If you and your customers are caught in an earthquake, adhere to the following:
- Be prepared for aftershocks. The aftershocks associated with earthquakes can also be damaging and may bring weakened structures down. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the earthquake.
- If you are outside and can do so safely, move into the open, away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires.
- Stay inside.
- Take cover under a piece of heavy furniture, against an inside wall, or in a doorway.
- The most dangerous thing to do during the shaking of an earthquake is to try to leave the building because of falling objects.
- Help injured or trapped persons.
- Stay in vehicle.
- Move out from underneath bridges or other overhead structures.