Earthquake preparedness

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Washington State is earthquake country. When the ground starts to shake, preparedness is key to our safety and survival.

Be prepared for an earthquake

Washington State is earthquake country. When the ground starts to shake, preparedness is key to our safety and survival.

We encourage you to:

  • Take a look at your office, workspace or classroom.

  • Identify hazards (e.g., unsecure bookshelves, file cabinets, heavy items that should be anchored to the wall or floor). 

  • Know where to seek shelter from falling debris (e.g., getting under a sturdy desk or table).

When the ground starts shaking you must fight the urge to run. You are at greater risk of being hit, or even buried, by flying debris if you go outside.

When an earthquake starts, immediately:

  • DROP to the floor.

  • Take COVER under a sturdy desk or table.

  • HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

Furniture shifts with the shaking, and holding on helps you move with it and maintain protective cover.

Do not come out until the shaking stops. This can take a while, due to aftershocks and smaller ground tremors that follow the main earthquake.

Once all shaking has stopped, immediately exit the building through the closest, safest exit, and make contact with others in the area to let them know you are okay.