Major earthquake — during the shaking, after it stops, and if trapped

What to have

• Whistle (instead of shouting if trapped)
• Flashlight · extra batteries
• Enough food and water for several days
• Fire extinguisher
• Sturdy thick-soled shoes · work gloves · long-sleeved shirt (for cleanup)
• An appropriate mask for cleanup

Before

1. Secure heavy items like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters and televisions. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
2. Practice Drop, Cover and Hold On with family and coworkers. Plan where to meet if you get separated.

During the shaking

1. Drop — drop where you are onto hands and knees.
2. Cover — cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it. If not, crawl next to an interior wall away from windows.
3. Hold On — hold until the shaking stops. If under shelter, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it.
4. If inside, stay and do not run outside; avoid doorways. In bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow. Outside, move away from buildings. In a car, pull over, stop and set the parking brake.

After the shaking · if trapped

1. If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away. Do not enter damaged buildings.
2. If you are trapped, send a text or bang on a pipe or wall. Cover your mouth with your shirt and use a whistle instead of shouting.
3. Use text messages to communicate — they may be more reliable than phone calls.
4. In an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops.
5. Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself. Children should not take part in cleanup work.