Experience from around the world shows that the factor that causes most loss of life in not the earthquake itself but its effects: landslides, collapsing buildings, falling furniture and other objects, glass shards, fires, floods, gas leaks. Furthermore, people behaving incorrectly endanger themselves and the people around them.

Preparation Prior to Event

• Locate the safest place in the home, far from external walls. Your first choice is the Residential Secure Space (MAMAD), if your home has one.
• Show all family members where the main electrical circuit breakers, main gas lines, and main water lines are located, and how to shut them off.
• Know the emergency exits, if these exist.
• It is a good idea to designate a meeting place for family members, should the earthquake happen when the family is not together.
• Every object that might move, fall or break represents a hazard. Make sure that you do all steps of the home preparations.
• Earthquakes damage infrastructure. Roads are destroyed, electric and phone wires are downed, and water pipes burst. Therefore, rescue personnel will find it difficult to arrive quickly to every area, and certainly every home. Preparing a  family emergency bag  will allow you to survive for 24-72 hrs., until help arrives.

How to Identify an Earthquake

First, the furniture will begin to move. One item of furniture will start to shake, and then move from side to side. Many people have described the first moments of an earthquake as feeling similar to the sensation of being in a rocking boat or a ship. Others have said simply that an earthquake is just that: a feeling that the earth underneath you (the ground, floor, stairs) is quaking and shaking from side to side. The first few seconds are critical, and represent your best chance to save your life. Do not delay. Keep your cool, and react quickly.

At home:

• Take shelter in the corner of one of the internal rooms of the structure. As stated above, it is best to try to reach the Residential Secure Space (MAMAD). It is the strongest of the rooms in the home. Another possibility is to crouch inside a doorway under a heavy lintel or under a heavy table and to hold onto the sides (the doorposts or table legs). Protect your head and face.
• Stay away from external walls, mirrors, bookcases, and windows.
• In multi-story buildings, it is best to stay in the stairwell. Do not use the elevator.
• As soon as the quake is over, put out any fires, and disconnect the electricity and gas.
• If you are bed-ridden during the quake, protect your head with a pillow.

Outdoors:

• Stay as far away as you can from buildings. Seek an open space.
• Be careful of falling objects, unstable walls, glass shards, and downed electrical wires.
• If you are at the beach, seek higher ground to avoid a possible tidal wave.

In a vehicle:

• Stop immediately and wait inside your vehicle until the quake is over. The car is your protection.
• If you are under a bridge, on an overpass, or near trees or buildings, try to get away either in your vehicle or on foot.
• Steer clear of downed electrical wires.
• Keep a first-aid kit and emergency supplies in your car.

Prior preparations will help you stay calm and act efficiently. It is best to drill all of the above at least twice a year so that your response in an actual event is automatic.