Wellness Shot: Earthquake 3 Step Rules

If you have recently moved here to California, let me welcome you with a reminder to DROP, COVER and HOLD ON! These are the 3 steps you need to remember in an earthquake! 

1. Drop: Wherever you are, drop onto your hands and knees. This position helps keep you from being knocked down and allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter. 
2. Cover: With one arm and hand, cover your head and neck. If there is a nearby desk or table, crawl under it for shelter. If there’s no shelter, crawl next to an interior wall away from windows. 
3. Hold On: If you’re under shelter, hold onto it with one hand, with your other arm and hand, over your head and neck. If there’s no shelter, hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands. Avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances, and kitchen cabinets with heavy objects or glass. Do not go outside!

Now that your kids are home this is a perfect time to practice with them! Rattle a box to simulate an earthquake sound, and get them into the habit of immediately reacting with DROP, COVER and HOLD ON!

Here’s a Drop, Cover, Hold On demonstration video from Shakeout.org. Watch with the whole family! There's also tips below for what you should do if you are in bed and an earthquake hits!

Photo Credit: Getty Images