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Why is it important to do a Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill? To react quickly you must practice often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake, before strong shaking knocks you down--or drops something on you. Practicing helps you be ready to respond.

• If you are inside a building, move no more than a few steps, then Drop, Cover and Hold On:
  
  
  • DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),
  • Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
  • HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.
  
  Stay indoors till the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. In most buildings in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands you are safer if you stay where you are until the shaking stops.


• If you are outdoors when the shaking starts, you should find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines, then Drop, Cover and Hold On. Stay there until the shaking stops.


• If you are driving, pull over to a clear location, stop and stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Once the shaking stops, proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged.


• If you are near the shore, Drop, Cover, and Hold On until the shaking stops. Then get up and move inland two miles or to land that is at least 100 feet above sea level immediately. Don’t wait for officials to issue a warning. Walk quickly, rather than drive, to avoid traffic, debris and other hazards.


• If you are indoors, stay calm, do not attempt run out as debris and falling objects could cause serious injuries. Move away from windows, large objects that could topple such as book cases and televisions or other appliances. Drop, Cover, and Hold On until the shaking stops. Interior corners of rooms may provide for strong points in buildings if there is a potential for building collapse. Once the shaking has stopped, check all utilities for any problems such as water or gas leaks and electrical shorts or arcing and turn off utility mains if safe to do so. Use caution when exiting the building and find a safe place to assemble and wait for help.

Ground shaking during an earthquake is seldom the cause of injury. Most earthquake-related injuries and deaths are caused by collapsing walls and roofs, flying glass and falling objects. It is extremely important for a person to move as little as possible to reach the place of safety he or she has identified because most injuries occur when people try to move more than a short distance during the shaking.

Look around you now, before an earthquake. Identify safe places such as under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall in your home, office or school so that when the shaking starts you can respond quickly. An immediate response to move to the safe place can save lives. And that safe place should be within a few steps to avoid injury from flying debris.

Further information:

Drop, Cover, and Hold On!