Earthquakes are unpredictable and strike without warning, so preparing in advance can help ensure safety. Experts offer these tips to stay safe: Be prepared

Anchor appliances and furniture that could fall. Put latches on cabinet doors to keep contents from spilling out.

Find out how to make home improvements that can protect against earthquake damage. Establish an “out-of-area” contact and keep the phone numbers handy. This is the person family members will call if they become separated. Have a place at home to store emergency supplies and tell others where it is.

During an earthquake

When indoors:

• Stay inside. Move under a desk or sturdy table and hold on to it. If it moves, move with it and do not run away. Stay away from windows, bookcases, refrigerators, heavy mirrors, hanging plants and other objects that could fall. Do not go outside until the shaking stops.
• When in a crowded store or public place, do not rush for an exit. Move away from display shelves holding objects that could fall, and “drop, cover and hold.”
• When in a theater or stadium, stay in your seat, protect your head with your arms or get under the seat. Do not leave until the shaking stops. When outdoors:
• Move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, or downed electrical wires and poles.

When driving:

• Slowly pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses, power lines and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.

For those in a wheelchair:

• Move to cover, lock the chair’s wheels and protect your head with your arms.

After the earthquake:

• Evacuees should wait until told it is safe before returning home.
• Be careful entering buildings. Stay away from downed power lines.
• Check yourself and others nearby for injuries.
• Be prepared for aftershocks.
• Use the phone only to report a life-threatening emergency.
• Do not drive unnecessarily.
• If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, open a window and leave the building. Shut off the main gas valve outside.
• Check on neighbors, particularly elderly or disabled persons.
• Later, call your out-of-area phone contact.
• Listen to the radio.