What to do if you’re in your car during an earthquake
Oct 14, 2015, 12:23 PM | Updated: Jul 2, 2019, 12:09 pm
What do you do if you're in your car in the event of an earthquake? (AP file)
(AP file)
The Great Washington ShakeOut on Thursday is is aimed at reminding you what you should do during an earthquake.
Drop, Cover, and Hold On. But what if you’re in your car?
Great ShakeOut preparing Pacific Northwest for the inevitable
According to the experts:
- Don’t panic, but move away from buildings, trees, overpasses, underpasses or utility wires.
- Slow down and quickly find a place to stop, preferably away from traffic.
- Stay in your car.
- Check for injuries.
- Turn on your radio and listen for instructions from the authorities. (KIRO Radio 97.3 FM)
- Stay off the phone unless you must report severe injuries.
- Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.
- Look for cracks, breaks or obstructions in the road as you drive.
- Do not, under any circumstance, drive over a downed electrical line.
- DON’T FORGET ABOUT AFTERSHOCKS.
The average earthquake lasts 30-60 seconds. Check the Northwest Earthquake Tracker for information about the latest earthquakes.
Originally published October 14, 2015.
