So, you know the storm drill, but ...

By TIMES WIRES
Published September 11, 2006

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We're swamped with hurricane preparedness guides, but do you know what to do in an earthquake? You may never need them, but here are some tips in case of a temblor:

If you are indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table and hang on to it, or move into a hallway or get against an inside wall.

Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances.

Get out of the kitchen, a dangerous place. Things can fall on you.

Don't run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking or while there is danger of falling and hurting yourself or being hit by debris.

If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings, power lines, chimneys, and anything else that might fall on you.

If you are driving, stop, but carefully. Move your car as far out of traffic as possible. Do not stop on or under a bridge or overpass or under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs. Stay inside your car until the shaking stops. When you resume driving, watch for breaks in the pavement, fallen rocks, and bumps in the road at bridge approaches.

Do not turn on the gas again if you turned it off; let the gas company do it.

Do not use matches, lighters, camp stoves or barbecues, electrical equipment or appliances until you are sure there are no gas leaks. They may create a spark that could ignite leaking gas and cause an explosion.

Check for hazards. Fire hazards: Put out fires in your home or neighborhood immediately, then call for help. Gas leaks: Shut off main gas valve only if you suspect a leak because of broken pipes or odor. Damaged electrical wiring: Shut off power at the control box if there is any danger to house wiring. Damaged utility lines: Do not touch power lines or objects in contact with them.

Beware of items tumbling off shelves when you open doors of closets and cupboards.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey