An earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the perceptible shaking of the surface of the Earth, which can be violent enough to destroy major buildings and kill thousands of people. The severity of the shaking can range from barely felt to violent enough to toss people around. Earthquakes have destroyed whole cities. They result from the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. Theseismicity, seismism or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time.

Get under a study table or other piece of furniture. If possible ,stay away from glass, windows, outside door and walls & anything that could fall , such as lighting fixtures or furniture. If there isn’t a table on desk near you , cover your face & head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

Hold on. The ground may be shaking and debris could be falling hold on to whatever surface or platform you’ve gotten under and wait for the shaking to subside, if you were unable to find a surface to hide under, keep your head shielded by arms and tucked down low.

If you find your self in bed with an earthquake stay there hold on and protect your head with a pillow , unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.

Stay inside until shaking stop and it is safe to go outside. Research suggests that many injuries occur when people inside buildings at temp to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.

Use the triangle of life method as an alternative to drop and hold on. If you cant find a desk or a table to duck under you have options. Although this method is disputed by many of the worlds leading earthquake safety officials, it could save your life in the event that a building you’re in collapes.

Huddle in the fetal position next to the structure or piece of furniture, Doug copp, the main proponent and proponent of the triangle of life theory, says that this safety technique is natural for dogs and cats and can work for you, too.

Don’t go under a doorway. People under doorways are commonly crushed to death if the door jamb falls under the weight of the earthquake’s impact. Don’t go upstairs to get under a piece of furniture. Stairs and staircases are dangerous places to tread during an earthquake.

Stay away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires. These are the main risks of being outdoors when an earthquake or one of its aftershocks is in progress.

If in a vehicle, stop as quickly as possible and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

Do not try to heroically rescue someone or venture indoors. Your best bet is to stay outside, where the risk of collapsing structures is diminished, The greatest danger exists directly outside building, at exits, and alongside exterior walls.

Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home.

Learn first aid. Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity. Make up a plan of where to meet your family after an

earthquake. Don't leave heavy objects on shelves (they'll fall during a

quake). Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the

walls or floor. Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.

Stay calm! If you're indoors, stay inside. If you're outside, stay outside.

If you're indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away from windows and outside doors.

If you're outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you).

Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don't mix.

If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.

Don't use elevators (they'll probably get stuck anyway).

Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who needs it.

Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut off the valves. Check for the smell of gas. If you smell it, open all the windows and doors, leave immediately, and report it to the authorities (use someone else's phone).

Turn on the radio. Don't use the phone unless it's an emergency. Stay out of damaged buildings. Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep

from cutting your feet. Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you). Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis and seiches sometimes hit after the ground

has stopped shaking. Stay away from damaged areas. If you're at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the

person in charge. Expect aftershocks

“ Prepare before its to late”