3 things to do during an earthquake
A 4.8 magnitude earthquake shook New Jersey, New York and other states in the Northeastern U.S. on Friday.
The Northeastern U.S. was rattled by a 4.8 magnitude earthquake on Friday morning, with people experiencing the quake in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Here are three things you can do in the event of an earthquake, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you're indoors: Drop, take cover and hold on
Avoid getting injured by falling glass or debris. If you’re indoors, stay there. If you are able to, drop onto your hands and knees, cover your neck and head and try to get under a desk or table. Once there, hang onto it. If you cannot get under a table or desk, move into a hallway or stay up against an inside wall as opposed to a wall shared with the outside.
If you’re in a wheelchair, lock your brakes and protect your head and neck from falling debris with your arms, a large book or a pillow.
Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, heavy furniture, heavy appliances and the kitchen, where heavy appliances could fall on top of you. If you’re in a high-rise building, do not use an elevator, as the electricity may go out.
While the building or home is shaking, do not run down any stairs or outside while there is a threat of falling objects or glass.
If you're outdoors: Get into an open area
Protect yourself from the threat of harmful falling objects by moving into an open area if you’re outside. Once there, get down low and stay there until the shaking stops. Avoid staying near large buildings, power lines or chimneys.
If you’re in a mountainous region, watch for landslides, falling rocks or trees or other debris that could have been loosened by the earthquake.
If you are located near the ocean and severe shaking lasts for more than 20 seconds, evacuate to higher ground as a tsunami may have been created by the earthquake. Don’t wait for officials to issue a warning. Walk quickly as opposed to driving to avoid potential road hazards.
If you’re driving: Come to a stop as quickly and safely as you can
When safely coming to a stop in a moving vehicle, avoid utility poles, overhead wires and overpasses.
Stay inside your car until the ground stops shaking. When you can start driving again, watch for collapsed bridges, rising water levels, fallen utility poles or pavement breaks.
