Some guidelines for earthquakes:

• Drop, cover, and hold on

• Move only a few steps to a safe place if you're not in one (door frames make safe hiding spots)

• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're sure that is safe to exit

• During shaking, stay away from windows

• In a high-rise building, expect the sprinklers and fire alarms to go off

• If in a bed, hold on and stay there, covering your head with a pillow

• If outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines, drop to the ground

• If in a car, slow down, drive to a clear place, and stay in until shaking stops

After shaking stops:

• Check yourself for injuries, and treat them if necessary

• Protect yourself from further injuries by wearing covering clothes (long pants and shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves)

• Check others for injuries, if there is a serious one, administer first-aid

• Look for and extinguish small fires, and eliminate fire hazards

• Turn off the gas if you smell some or think it's leaking (only a professional should turn it back on)

• Listen to a local radio station for instructions

• Expect aftershocks, and follow the regular earthquake instructions when one hits

• Inspect your home for damage, and get everyone out

• Only use the telephone to report a life-threatening emergency