Practice Drop, Cover and Hold On For Earthquakes

Here’s a trick.

Next time you feel the ground shake, tomorrow, next Tuesday, whenever, even if you THINK it’s just a tiny, normal California tremor, try Drop, Cover and Hold On.

Right there, where you are.

At your office desk, drop beneath it, grab the desk leg, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Oh wait, you’re worried about your boss thinking you’re unproductive under your desk? Don’t worry, just show your boss the SF Quake Quiz, and your boss will be practicing drop, cover, and hold on too.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Drop to the ground.
2. Take cover under a big, flat piece of furniture if available, like a table.
3. If there’s no furniture, protect your head and neck with your arms, as if you’re Michael Spinks fending of Mike Tyson’s devastating one round TKO.
4. If you’re in bed, just stay there and put your pillow over your head.
5. Stay calm.
6. When the shaking stops, count to 60 slowly, and then get up.

Maybe if your boss catches you doing this, she’ll think you’re conscientious about something.

For more information on what to do in an earthquake visit the Great California Shakeout.

Because of the risk of tsunamis, twenty seconds after you Drop, Cover and Hold On at the beach you should move to high ground.

In case of an earthquake
You’ve got to stay calm.
Move away from doors, windows and things that can fall.
Try not to use steps or elevators at all.

Drop! Protect your head and your face.
Don’t go running all over the place.
Cover! Under a bed or a table,
Against a wall that’s firm and stable.
Hold on! You must hold on.
Don’t panic. Stay calm.

Don’t move until the shaking stops.