While it shakes
Indoors
- Take cover by a load-bearing wall, under a sturdy table or a beam. Curl up and cover your head with your arms.
- Keep away from glass, windows, partition walls, tall furniture, mirrors, light fittings and anything that can fall.
- Stay inside until the shaking stops. Aftershocks are possible.
Outdoors
- Move away from buildings, poles, wires, glass and billboards.
- In a town centre, avoid buildings that could collapse or shed roof tiles and glass.
In a vehicle
- Stop somewhere safe, away from anything that can fall, and stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.
When the shaking stops
- Check whether you're hurt. Give first aid to yourself, then to others.
- Don't move an unconscious person unless you have to. If you must, first immobilise the neck, back and injured limbs.
- Check the gas, water, sewage and electrical installations. If you smell gas, don't switch on the power or any appliance.
- Shut off the power, water and gas. Don't use damaged installations until a professional has checked them.
- Use the stairs, never the lift.
- Go to the outdoor meeting place from your family plan.
- Take your kit and add your phone, money and medicines.
- Help others, especially people with limited mobility, the sick and children.
- Try to calm pets and put them in a carrier. If you can't, see to them when it's safer.
If you're trapped
- Cover your face with a mask or cloth so you don't breathe in dust.
- Signal by tapping on walls and pipes, with a torch or a whistle.
- Don't light matches or a lighter: gas may be leaking.
- Don't shout: you breathe in dust and use up strength and air.
Before an earthquake
- Fix tall cupboards and shelves to the wall, and keep heavy things low.
- Know where to shut off the gas, power and water.
- Pack a kit and agree a family plan.