Approximately 31,445,040 people around the world registered for the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill that occurred Oct. 21.
Many areas around the world are prone to earthquakes, shakeout.org stated on its website. The Great ShakeOut provided an opportunity to practice how to stay safe during an earthquake as there may only be seconds to protect yourself. Strong shaking can cause objects to fall and cause serious injury or even death. The earthquake safety website advises people to drop, cover, and hold on.
The U.S. Geological Survey recommends people follow the safety advice below:
If you are inside a building, move no more than a few steps, then drop to the floor; take cover by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it until the shaking stops. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. In most buildings, 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 follow the same procedure of drop, cover and hold on. Stay under cover 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 may have been damaged.
The majority of serious injuries or even death occur from collapsing walls and roofs, falling objects and glass. Most injuries happen when people try to move during an earthquake.
