What Are Three Things You Should Do During an Earthquake? (Ultimate Guide)

When the ground starts to shake, your first reaction might be panic. But the difference between danger and safety comes down to just three simple actions. Whether you’re at home, work, or school, knowing exactly what to do can save your life and the lives of those around you.

Direct answer:
The three most important things you should do during an earthquake are:

1. Stay calm
2. Drop, Cover, and Hold On
3. Plan your next step once the shaking stops

Let’s break down each step—why it matters, how to do it, and what common mistakes to avoid.

Why Staying Calm Saves Lives

Earthquakes strike without warning. The sudden jolt, the rumble, and the rattling of your home or office can send your heart racing and your mind into panic mode. But in those first few seconds, your ability to stay calm can make all the difference.

Why Panic Is Dangerous

When panic takes over, people often make split-second choices that put them in greater danger, such as:

• Running outside (risking injury from falling debris)
• Rushing to windows or doors (risking cuts from broken glass)
• Forgetting basic safety steps

Panic can also spread quickly. If you’re with family, coworkers, or classmates, your reaction sets the tone for everyone around you. Staying calm helps others stay calm, too.

How to Stay Calm During an Earthquake

1. Take a Deep Breath
As soon as you feel the shaking, pause for a second and take a deep breath. This helps your brain switch from panic to problem-solving mode.

2. Focus on the Next Action
Remind yourself of the steps: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Focusing on action keeps your mind from spiraling into fear.

3. Use Simple Self-Talk
Repeat to yourself: “I know what to do. I can handle this.” It sounds basic, but positive self-talk can keep you grounded.

Real-World Example

In the 2011 Japan earthquake, studies showed that people who paused and stayed calm were more likely to take effective shelter and avoid injury. Those who panicked and ran outside were at the greatest risk from falling glass and debris.

Quick List: Benefits of Staying Calm

• You think more clearly and make better decisions
• You’re less likely to trip, fall, or run into danger
• You help others around you stay focused and safe

How to Drop, Cover, and Hold On (with Practical Examples)

The “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method is recommended by emergency experts worldwide. It’s simple, effective, and proven to save lives in earthquakes. Here’s exactly what to do:

Step 1: Drop

As soon as the shaking starts, drop down to your hands and knees. This position keeps you from being knocked over and lets you move if you need to.

• If you’re standing, drop immediately—don’t wait to see how bad the shaking will get.
• If you’re already sitting or lying down, stay low and ready to move.

Step 2: Cover

Take cover under sturdy furniture—like a heavy table or desk—if it’s nearby. If not, cover your head and neck with your arms and get next to an interior wall, away from windows and anything that could fall.

• Under a table/desk: Crawl underneath, keep your head down, and use one arm to shield your neck.
• No furniture nearby: Kneel next to an interior wall, curl up, and protect your head and neck with your arms.
• In bed: Stay put, cover your head with a pillow, and move away from anything heavy overhead.

Step 3: Hold On

Hold on to your shelter (table or desk) until the shaking stops. If it moves, move with it. If you don’t have shelter, stay curled up and keep protecting your head and neck.

Visual: Drop, Cover, and Hold On Steps

Practical Example

At Home:
You’re in the living room. The ground shakes. Drop to your knees, crawl under the coffee table, and hold on until it’s safe.

At Work:
You’re at your desk. Slide under it, shield your head, and grip a table leg.

At School:
Get under your classroom desk, tuck in your head, and hold on tight.

Quick List: What NOT to Do

• Don’t run outside during shaking
• Don’t stand in a doorway (unless it’s a reinforced frame)
• Don’t try to use the elevator

Planning Your Next Step: What to Do After the Shaking

The earthquake is over, but your decisions in the next few minutes are just as important as what you did during the shaking. Here’s how to stay safe and take control of the situation.

1. Assess Your Surroundings

• Look for hazards:
  Check for broken glass, fallen objects, or unstable furniture before you move.
• Check for injuries:
  Quickly assess yourself and anyone nearby. Apply first aid if needed and call for help if someone is seriously hurt.
• Be alert for aftershocks:
  These smaller quakes can follow the main event and cause more damage.

2. Plan Your Exit—But Don’t Rush

• Stay put if it’s safe:
  If you’re not in immediate danger (like fire or gas leak), it’s often safest to stay where you are until things settle.
• Move carefully:
  If you need to leave (due to fire, gas, or structural damage), grab your emergency kit and head for the nearest safe exit. Avoid elevators and use stairs instead.
• Watch for hazards:
  Be careful of loose wires, broken glass, and debris as you move.

3. Communicate and Get Information

• Check in with family or roommates:
  Make sure everyone is accounted for and safe.
• Listen for emergency updates:
  Use a battery-powered radio or your phone (if networks are up) to get news and instructions from local authorities.
• Limit phone use:
  Keep calls brief to avoid overloading emergency lines.

Quick List: What to Do After an Earthquake

• Check for injuries and hazards
• Be ready for aftershocks
• Move carefully and only if necessary
• Grab your emergency kit if you evacuate
• Stay informed with official updates

Visual: Post-Earthquake Action Chart

Earthquake Safety Tips for Every Location

No matter where you are when an earthquake strikes, there are smart, simple steps you can take to stay safe. Here’s what to do in the most common situations:

At Home

• Stay away from windows, mirrors, and glass doors.
• Avoid the kitchen (cabinets, appliances, and dishes can fall).
• Drop, cover, and hold on under a sturdy table or desk.
• If in bed, stay put: Use a pillow to protect your head, and move away from anything heavy overhead.
• Keep a flashlight and shoes by your bed to avoid stepping on broken glass after.

At Work

• Know your building’s emergency plan.
• Take shelter under your desk or a sturdy table.
• Stay away from tall bookcases, shelves, or heavy office equipment.
• Don’t use elevators—use stairs if you need to evacuate after the shaking stops.
• Help coworkers who may need assistance.

At School

• Listen to your teacher or school staff.
• Get under your desk, cover your head and neck, and hold on.
• Stay away from windows, glass, and heavy classroom equipment.
• Remain in place until given the all-clear.

Outdoors

• Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines.
• Drop to the ground and protect your head and neck.
• Stay put until the shaking stops.
• Be alert for falling debris or landslides if you’re near hills or cliffs.

Quick List: Earthquake Kit Essentials

• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Sturdy shoes and gloves
• Portable radio
• Personal medications
• Emergency contact info

Visual: Safe Spots vs. Danger Zones

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even well-prepared people can make split-second mistakes in the chaos of an earthquake. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to stay safe:

1. Running Outside During Shaking

Why it’s risky:
Most earthquake injuries happen when people try to exit buildings, only to be hit by falling bricks, glass, or debris.

What to do instead:
Stay put and take cover under sturdy furniture until the shaking stops.

2. Standing in Doorways

Why it’s outdated:
Old advice said doorways were the safest spot. In modern homes, doorways are no stronger than other parts of the room and don’t protect you from falling objects.

What to do instead:
Get under a sturdy table or desk, or next to an interior wall.

3. Using Elevators

Why it’s dangerous:
Elevators can get stuck or fall if power is lost or cables are damaged.

What to do instead:
Wait until the shaking stops, then use stairs to exit if necessary.

4. Forgetting to Protect Your Head and Neck

Why it matters:
Falling objects are the #1 cause of earthquake injuries.

What to do instead:
Always use your arms, a pillow, or anything nearby to shield your head and neck.

5. Not Being Ready for Aftershocks

Why it’s a problem:
Aftershocks can be just as strong as the main quake and cause additional damage.

What to do instead:
Stay alert and ready to drop, cover, and hold on again.

Quick List: Earthquake Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t run outside during shaking
• Don’t stand in doorways
• Don’t use elevators
• Don’t forget to protect your head and neck
• Don’t assume it’s over—be ready for aftershocks

Visual: Top Earthquake Mistakes

FAQ: Earthquake Safety Myths and Realities

Q: Should I run outside during an earthquake?
No. Most injuries happen when people try to exit buildings during shaking. Stay put and take cover until it stops.

Q: Is it safe to stand in a doorway?
Usually not. Unless you live in an old house with a reinforced frame, doorways don’t offer more protection than other parts of the room.

Q: What if I’m in bed during an earthquake?
Stay in bed, protect your head with a pillow, and move away from anything heavy overhead.

Q: Can I use the elevator to escape?
Never use elevators during or after an earthquake. They can get stuck or fall if the power goes out or cables are damaged.

Q: What if I’m outside?
Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Watch for falling objects and stay put until the shaking stops.

Q: How do I prepare my home for an earthquake?
Anchor heavy furniture, keep emergency supplies handy, and make a family plan. Practice earthquake drills so everyone knows what to do.

Conclusion

Earthquakes are unpredictable and can be incredibly dangerous—but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can dramatically increase your odds of staying safe. Remember the three most important actions: stay calm, drop-cover-hold, and plan your next step. These simple habits can save your life and help you protect others, whether you’re at home, work, school, or outdoors.

Take time today to walk through your home or workplace and identify safe spots, secure heavy items, and prepare an emergency kit. Practice earthquake drills with your family or coworkers so everyone knows what to do when the shaking starts. The more you prepare now, the more confident and calm you’ll be when every second counts.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t panic—breathe and focus on your safety steps.
• Drop, cover, and hold on is the gold standard for earthquake survival.
• Always be ready for aftershocks and know your exit plan.

Call to Action:
Share this guide with friends, family, or colleagues. Preparation saves lives, and you never know when this knowledge will make all the difference.