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  • All of a sudden, you feel a jolt from beneath your feet.

  • You think your legs might be shaking, but before you know it, everything is shaking around you.

  • Roads are cracking,

  • windows are smashing,

  • and buildings are falling apart.

  • And if you don't act fast, you'll be in some serious trouble.

  • So here's what you can do to survive an earthquake.

  • So here's what you can do to survive an earthquake.

  • So here's what you can do to survive an earthquake.

  • Earthquakes are devastating natural disasters that can destroy entire communities.

  • They occur due to the tectonic plates on the Earth's crust.

  • The plates are constantly rubbing against each other.

  • And, when these bumps are violent enough, a seismic wave will happen, causing an earthquake.

  • These can range from a slight tremor to a shake so big it will take out entire buildings.

  • So if you do find yourself in this situation, what can you do to survive?

  • Is there a way you can prepare for something like this?

  • How can your desk help you survive?

  • And what should you do after the dust settles?

  • We're not here just to ask questions though.

  • We've come up with our six most helpful tips on how to survive an earthquake.

  • Number one: Watch Your Surroundings

  • As soon as you start feeling a rumble, check to see what's around you.

  • If you're near any tall shelves, televisions, or glass windows, you'll need to move away immediately.

  • These are the first things to fall and break during an earthquake.

  • And if one of them injures or lands on you, it could cause you to get stuck.

  • And if you know an earthquake might be coming, do your best to secure anything that might fall before it happens.

  • Number two: Drop, Cover, And Hold On

  • This is the official phrase from emergency management organizations, and they're the three most important words you'll need to know during an earthquake.

  • First, you'll want to drop low to the ground, and seek some cover.

  • This could be under a sturdy dining room table or your desk, and will be your best bet for surviving any falling debris.

  • Next, hold on and wait until the rumbling stops.

  • Number three: Keep On Waiting

  • Even after the earthquake stops, it's best to stay put under cover for 1 to 2 minutes.

  • As you wait, more debris might fall, and aftershocks might occur after the initial quake.

  • These are smaller earthquakes that can occur after the big one.

  • Number four: Check For Injuries

  • Although you've managed to survive this long, others might not have been so lucky.

  • Check on your loved ones or anyone else near you, to see if they need medical attention.

  • If you're a medical professional or are trained in first aid, see what you can do to help.

  • And if you're not, see if you can get in contact with a healthcare provider.

  • And if someone is injured to the point where they can't move, try to carefully move them away from any debris that might fall.

  • Number five: Check For Structural Damage

  • Next, after you've done what you can for the people around you, identify any other potential hazards in your area.

  • Smell to detect any gas leaks, and look around for any major structural damage that might cause a problem in the near future.

  • If you can safely do so, turn off your electricity and your gas.

  • This will give you a better chance of preventing any explosions or fires.

  • Number six: Go To Your Meeting Place

  • If you live in a place that frequently gets earthquakes, like California or anywhere along the Ring of Fire, you should have two meeting places arranged.

  • One should be outside your home, in the event of a smaller earthquake, and one outside your neighborhood in case a big earthquake happens.

  • This will allow you to regroup with loved ones and plan where to go next.

  • Earthquakes can definitely be scary, and incredibly dangerous.

  • But if you follow these tips, you'll have a better chance of surviving.

  • Hopefully, you won't have any other natural disasters like a tsunami or a hurricane coming at you.

  • But if you do, we'll be here to help you with How To Survive.

All of a sudden, you feel a jolt from beneath your feet.

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