What You Should NOT Do in an Earthquake: Essential Mistakes to Avoid

When the ground starts shaking, your first instinct might be to run or hide. But did you know that some common reactions during an earthquake can actually be deadly? If you want to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, it’s just as important to know what NOT to do as it is to know what you should do.

Quick answer: During an earthquake, do NOT panic, do NOT hide under beds, do NOT use the stairs, and do NOT run to windows or outside until the shaking stops. These mistakes can put you in more danger from falling debris, shattering glass, or building collapse. Stay calm, drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture (not beds), and hold on until the shaking ends.

This guide breaks down the most dangerous mistakes people make during earthquakes, explains why they’re risky, and gives you safer alternatives—so you’re ready when disaster strikes.

Why Earthquake Safety Is About What You DON’T Do

Earthquakes are unpredictable. They can strike without warning—day or night, in any season, almost anywhere on the planet. The moment the ground starts to shake, your body floods with adrenaline. Instinct takes over, and you might feel an urgent need to run, hide, or do whatever seems safest in the moment. But here’s the catch: those instincts aren’t always right.

Many earthquake injuries and deaths don’t actually happen because buildings immediately collapse. Instead, they happen because people make split-second decisions that accidentally put them in harm’s way. For example, someone might try to dash down the stairs, only to get caught in a collapsing stairwell. Others might run to a window to see what’s happening, risking injury from shattering glass or falling debris. Even hiding under a bed—a move that feels safe—can be dangerous if the bed collapses or traps you.

That’s why earthquake safety is just as much about what you avoid as what you do. Panic and quick, unplanned actions can lead you into the most hazardous spots in your home or workplace. Instead, learning from past disasters and understanding the most common mistakes gives you a huge advantage. By training yourself (and your family) to pause, think, and follow proven safety steps, you’re much more likely to stay safe.

Key Takeaway:
Earthquake survival isn’t just about acting fast—it’s about acting smart. Knowing what NOT to do helps you avoid the biggest dangers and gives you a better chance of walking away unharmed. Teach these lessons to everyone in your household, and practice them regularly so they become second nature when it really counts.

The Top 5 Things You Should NOT Do During an Earthquake

1. Don’t Hide Under the Bed

It might seem like a safe spot, but hiding under the bed is a big mistake. Most beds aren’t strong enough to protect you from falling debris or a collapsing ceiling. Plus, the small space can trap you if the bed shifts or collapses.

What to do instead:

• Stay low beside the bed, not under it.
• The bed can help shield you from falling debris, but you’ll have space to move if needed.
• If you can, get under a sturdy desk or table—these are designed to hold more weight and protect you better.

2. Don’t Use the Stairs

Stairs are one of the most dangerous places to be during an earthquake. They can collapse or act like a guillotine if the building shifts. Many earthquake fatalities happen on stairs.

What to do instead:

• Stay on the same floor until the shaking stops.
• Move away from stairwells and elevators.
• After the shaking, check if stairs are damaged before using them to evacuate.

3. Don’t Run to Windows or Outside

Your first thought might be to get out of the building, but running to windows or doors during an earthquake is extremely risky. Glass can shatter and send shards flying. Outside, you might be hit by falling bricks, glass, or power lines.

What to do instead:

• Stay inside and move away from windows, mirrors, and anything that could shatter.
• Take cover under sturdy furniture or next to an interior wall away from glass.
• Only go outside after the shaking stops and you know it’s safe.

4. Don’t Stand in Doorways (Unless It’s Reinforced)

You might have heard that doorways are safe, but that’s outdated advice. Most modern homes don’t have reinforced door frames, so standing in a doorway won’t protect you—and you could get your fingers crushed by a swinging door.

What to do instead:

• Drop, cover, and hold under a sturdy table or desk.
• If there’s nothing sturdy nearby, crouch next to an interior wall and protect your head and neck.

5. Don’t Panic or Make Sudden Moves

Panic leads to poor decisions. Running, jumping, or making sudden movements can cause falls, injuries, or lead you right into danger.

What to do instead:

• Take a deep breath and stay calm.
• Move carefully and deliberately.
• Focus on protecting your head and neck until the shaking ends.

Real-World Examples: Why These Mistakes Are So Dangerous

• Under the Bed: It might seem like a safe hideout, but in real earthquakes, people have been trapped for hours—or even days—when beds collapsed or shifted with the force of the shaking. The tight space can make it almost impossible for rescuers to reach you, and you could be pinned by heavy debris.
• On the Stairs: Many think the stairs are a quick escape route, but history shows they’re one of the most dangerous places during a quake. Staircases can collapse entirely or get blocked by falling debris. There have been cases where people got seriously injured or trapped because they tried to escape this way while the building was still shaking.
• By Windows: Windows are risky during earthquakes because glass doesn’t just break—it explodes. People standing near windows have suffered deep cuts or even been impaled by flying shards. The danger is unpredictable, and you can’t always see which way the glass will go.
• In Doorways: The old advice to stand in a doorway doesn’t always hold up. In modern homes, door frames aren’t reinforced like they used to be. There have been incidents where weak frames failed under pressure, and swinging doors slammed shut on people’s hands or heads, causing painful injuries.
• Panic: When panic sets in, people tend to make snap decisions—like running blindly or jumping up too fast. This often leads to falls, head injuries, or running straight into hazardous areas like kitchens (with heavy objects) or outside where debris is falling. Staying calm and thinking before you move is crucial for staying safe.

These real-life outcomes show why it’s so important to avoid these common mistakes and stick to proven safety steps during an earthquake.

Safer Alternatives: What TO Do Instead

• Drop to the Ground, Take Cover, and Hold On:
  As soon as you feel the shaking, don’t try to run—drop to your hands and knees wherever you are. This position keeps you from being knocked over and helps you stay low to the ground, where you’re less likely to be hit by falling objects. If there’s sturdy furniture nearby, like a heavy desk or solid table, crawl underneath it for protection. Hold on to a leg of the furniture to keep it over you. If nothing sturdy is close, sit against an interior wall away from windows and cover your head and neck with your arms. Staying put is almost always safer than trying to move during the shaking.
• Stay Away from Windows, Mirrors, and Heavy Objects:
  Glass can shatter instantly in an earthquake, sending sharp shards flying across the room. Mirrors and heavy objects like bookshelves, TVs, or wall art can also fall, causing serious injuries. Position yourself in a spot where you’re not directly under or next to these hazards. If you’re in bed, roll to the floor and use a pillow to shield your head from flying glass or debris.
• Protect Your Head and Neck:
  Your most important priority is shielding your head and neck from injury. Use your arms, a pillow, or anything soft and sturdy you can grab. If you have a backpack or coat nearby, use it as a cushion. Protecting your head can make the difference between a minor scare and a serious injury.
• If You’re Outside:
  Move quickly (but carefully) to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. These can fall or drop debris during an earthquake. Parks or open fields are ideal. Stay put until the shaking stops, and be alert for aftershocks.
• If You’re in a Car:
  Pull over to the side of the road as soon as it’s safe, away from overpasses, bridges, power lines, and large trees. Stay inside the car with your seatbelt fastened. Cars are designed to absorb shocks and offer good protection from falling debris. Avoid stopping on or under bridges and overpasses, as these structures can collapse or become unstable during strong shaking. Once the earthquake is over, drive carefully and watch for cracks in the road or fallen obstacles.

Remember: Practicing these safer moves with your family or coworkers means you’ll react automatically when the real thing happens. Preparation and calm decision-making are your best tools for staying safe during an earthquake.

FAQ

Q: Should I run outside during an earthquake?
No, you should not run outside during the shaking. Most earthquake-related injuries actually happen when people try to leave buildings in a panic. The risk comes from falling bricks, glass, roof tiles, or other debris that can drop from above as you exit. Stairways and exits can also become crowded or blocked, making escape even more dangerous. The safest move is to stay where you are, drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture if possible, and hold on until the shaking stops. Only leave the building when you’re sure it’s safe and the shaking has ended.

Q: Is it safe to stand in a doorway?
Usually not. The old advice about doorways being safe comes from a time when homes were built with sturdy, reinforced frames. Most modern homes and buildings don’t have these strong doorways, so standing there doesn’t offer extra protection. In fact, standing in a doorway can put you at risk for hand or finger injuries from a swinging door, and you’re still exposed to falling objects. It’s much safer to take cover under a heavy table or desk, or to crouch next to an interior wall, protecting your head and neck.

Q: What if I’m in bed during an earthquake?
If you’re in bed when the earthquake hits, don’t try to get up and run. Rolling off the bed and staying beside it is safer than hiding underneath. Use a pillow or blanket to shield your head from any falling objects or debris. The bed’s structure can help block some items from hitting you directly, while the open space beside the bed makes it easier for you to escape or be rescued if needed. Stay put until the shaking stops, then carefully check your surroundings before moving.

Q: Can I use the elevator to escape?
Never use elevators during or immediately after an earthquake. Shaking can disrupt power supplies, causing elevators to get stuck between floors. In some cases, cables or elevator shafts can be damaged, increasing the risk of falls or entrapment. Always use stairs after the shaking stops, but only if you’re sure they’re safe and undamaged. If you’re already in an elevator when the quake starts, press all floor buttons and exit as soon as you can.

Q: What if I’m outside?
If you’re outside during an earthquake, your priority is to move to an open area—well away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. All of these can collapse or drop debris during strong shaking. Parks, fields, or wide streets with no tall structures nearby are ideal. Once you’re in a safe spot, stay put until the shaking stops, and be alert for aftershocks or hazards like downed power lines.

Q: How do I prepare my home for an earthquake?
Preparation is key to minimizing earthquake risks. Secure heavy furniture, appliances, bookshelves, and TVs to the wall using brackets or straps to prevent tipping. Move heavy items to lower shelves, and avoid hanging large pictures or mirrors above beds or seating areas. Keep a well-stocked emergency kit with water, food, flashlight, batteries, and first aid supplies. Make a family emergency plan that includes safe meeting spots, contact information, and practice drills so everyone knows what to do when an earthquake strikes.

Conclusion

Earthquake safety isn’t just about what you do—it’s about what you avoid. Don’t hide under beds, use stairs, or run to windows. Instead, stay calm, take cover under sturdy furniture, and protect your head and neck. Practice these tips with your family so everyone knows what to do when the ground shakes.

Want to learn more? Check out our guides on building a survival kit, what to do after an earthquake, and how to prepare your home for disasters. The more you know, the safer you’ll be.