Most Recommended Earthquake Survival Advice for Parents: 'Drop, Cover and Hold On'

March 25, 2010 – An earthquake registering 6.2 on the Richter scale rocks Manila at around 1:30 p.m . According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), earthquakes of magnitude 6 are already considered “strong earthquakes” and these cause local damage near the epicenters.

During earthquakes, official rescue teams and emergency experts from all around the world still agree that the best action to minimize the possibility of injury and death during earthquakes is “Drop, Cover and Hold On, ” outlined through the following steps:

Step 1: Drop to the ground (before the earthquake drops you).

Step 2: Take cover by getting under a sturdy object like a table.

Step 3: Hold on firmly to the sturdy desk or table under the shaking stops.

Should no sturdy object be available, crouch in an inside corner of the building or cover your head and neck with your arms, and stay where you are. Don’t risk getting injured by leaving the area to go look for a place with a sturdy object to go under for protection.
 
Why experts recommend Drop, Cover and Hold On:
 
Moving or attempting to move during earthquakes is risky and dangerous. The most difficult thing about earthquakes is that they can happen anytime, anywhere, and they may be so strong that you might not have enough time or opportunity to find a sturdy object to protect you. This is why it is still best to drop first before the earthquake drops you.You are at greater risk during earthquakes from falling and flying objects (bookcases, lamps, glass, etc.) of getting injured rather than dying in a collapsed building. To help prevent possible toppling down, falling or flying objects, try securing top-heavy furniture to the walls with flexible straps or adding latches to cabinets.“Building collapse is less of a danger.” Despite devastating photos and videos of buildings collapsing during major earthquakes, most buildings actually do not topple over at all.