What to do if an earthquake comes? What you need to know about this safe escape manual!

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake occurred in Luding County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan. After the earthquake, the national earthquake emergency response level three was launched. What to do if an earthquake comes? China Weather Network has summarized the situations of earthquakes in different scenarios to help you master the most complete escape methods.

Earthquakes are one of the most harmful natural disasters to humans. Humans cannot avoid and control them, but as long as we master some skills, we can minimize the damage. Please keep this earthquake self-rescue escape guide!

What should you do if you encounter an earthquake indoors?

When encountering an earthquake indoors, you should try to stay indoors, maintain balance, and do not rush outdoors or move to other locations indoors. Quickly hide under sturdy furniture such as a table, or protect your head with cushions, pillows, etc. until the shaking stops. When you feel shaking or when the big shaking stops, immediately turn off the heating stove, gas stove, etc. that are in use. After the earthquake, evacuate quickly to a safe area.

What should you do if there is an earthquake in a public place?

If you are in a movie theater or gymnasium, you should squat down or hide under a bench, use a leather bag or other objects to protect your head, and avoid hanging objects such as chandeliers and fans. When there is a power outage in the venue, do not shout or scream. After the earthquake passes, follow the instructions of the staff and evacuate in an organized manner. If you are in a shopping mall, bookstore, or exhibition hall, you should choose a sturdy counter, product (such as low furniture, etc.) or beside a pillar, as well as an inner corner to squat down and protect your head with your hands or other objects.

If students are in class in the classroom, students should quickly hold their heads, close their eyes, and hide under their desks under the instruction of the teacher, and do not run around or jump off the building. After an earthquake, evacuate the classroom in an organized manner and go to the nearest open area to avoid the earthquake.

If you are taking an elevator, press all the buttons for each floor on the operation panel. Once it stops, leave the elevator quickly. When trapped, contact the management office for help through the dedicated phone in the elevator.

What should you do if you encounter an earthquake while driving?

If you encounter an earthquake while driving, you should stop the car as soon as possible while ensuring safety. Do not park under or next to trees, viaducts, buildings, high-voltage power lines, or intersections. Stay in the car until the shaking is over. The body of the car will protect you from most falling objects. After the earthquake is completely over, quickly evacuate to a safe area, avoiding damaged road sections, bridges, etc. along the way.

What should you do if you encounter an earthquake outdoors?

When encountering an earthquake outdoors, you should stay where you are, observe the surrounding situation, and do not move or run in large areas on roads and parks. Stay away from places where falling objects may occur, such as mountains, street lights, buildings, etc. Although some buildings are earthquake-proof, you still need to be careful of signs, lamps, etc. falling from them.

Source: China Weather Network