When an Earthquake Strikes -If You Are on the Street or in the Suburbs-

Stay away from block walls, vending machines, and other structures that may topple over or fall.
Be careful of falling items such as billboards.
Take shelter in the nearest sturdy building or open space if possible.
Keep away from places where there is a lot of glass, such as the display windows of stores.

Do not rush toward the emergency exit or stairs.
Do not panic even if there is a blackout, as the emergency lights will eventually go on.
Follow the instruction given over the public address system.

Reduce your speed as you pull the car over to the left shoulder of the road and stop.
If there is a parking lot or open space, park the car there.
Evacuate on foot, leaving the key in the car.

Since there is the threat of a tidal wave, evacuate to higher ground immediately. If there are no elevated areas nearly, move away from the ocean as far as possible.

Large-magnitude earthquakes tend to be followed by several smaller magnitude earthquakes known as aftershocks. Sometimes, aftershocks can be as large as the original earthquake.
If you are in a high-rise building or an underground shopping arcade, follow the instructions given over the public address system or by the staff.
If you are outdoors, temporarily evacuate to public square (park or ballpark) if possible.

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