Now that the earth has your "attention" let's review the basics:
- The USA has modern business codes. The likelihood of a building pancaking to the ground is not that high.
- Buildings are built to a life-safety standard. You might not be able to remain operational in the building following an earthquake, but you are safer inside than running outside during the shaking.
- As you exit the building it is the most dangerous point because of the potential for falling glass or masonry. Another reason to stay in the building.
- You are more likely to be injured by falling or being struck by non-structural elements of the building being thrown about or dropping form the ceiling, e.g. light fixtures.
The best actions to take is:
- Drop to the floor
- Ideally, cover by getting under a desk or workstation, and try to protect your head
- Hold on to the furniture so that as it moves, you move with it.
- Stay in this position until the shaking stops
Things not to do:
- Run outside--there is a hazard as noted above
- Try to prevent things from falling or breaking. I recall a woman going to a plate glass window in a department store during a quake and pushing against it because it was bowing in and out.
- Do not stand in a doorway. That was an old technique that no longer applies
- Do not listen to the Triangle of Life urban myth that is sure to be passed around again on the Internet. That has been debunked many times by the American Red Cross and others. Drop, cover and hold is your best option to protect you and your loved ones.
