Earthquakes are a common occurrence, rumbling below Earth's surface thousands of times every day. But major earthquakes are less common. Here are some things to do to prepare for an earthquake and what to do once the ground starts shaking.

Marina District home damage

Safety Tips

• Have an earthquake readiness plan.

• Consult a professional to learn how to make your home sturdier, such as bolting bookcases to wall studs, installing strong latches on cupboards, and strapping the water heater to wall studs.

• Locate a place in each room of the house that you can go to in case of an earthquake. It should be a spot where nothing is likely to fall on you.

• Keep a supply of canned food, an up-to-date first aid kit, 3 gallons (11.4 liters) of water per person, dust masks and goggles, and a working battery-operated radio and flashlights.

• Know how to turn off your gas and water mains.

If Shaking Begins

• Drop down; take cover under a desk or table and hold on.

• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to exit.

• Stay away from bookcases or furniture that can fall on you.

• Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.

• If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.

• If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.

• If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place. Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

地震是一種經常發生的自然現象，地表之下每天要發生幾千次的震動，但大地震還是比較少見的。下面給大家介紹一些地震預防準備以及一旦地震發生時的應對方法。

濱海區房屋受損

安全貼士

* 做好預防地震的準備計劃。

* 請教專業人士，學習如何把家變得更牢固，比如將書架釘在立柱墻上，在碗碟櫥里安裝牢固的門閂，把熱水器捆在立柱墻上。

* 在屋里的每間房間中都確定有一個在地震發生時可以躲的地方，在那個地方不會有東西砸到你。

* 準備好罐裝食品，新式急救箱，每人3加侖（11.4公升）的水，防塵面具和護目鏡，還有電池型收音機和手電筒。

* 知道如何關閉煤氣和水管的總開關。

如果地震開始

* 臥倒；躲在課桌或餐桌下，保持不動。

* 直到震動停止前呆在室內，確定安全后再逃出。

* 遠離書架和家具，它們可能會壓倒你。

* 遠離窗戶。在高樓大廈里，火警和灑水裝置在震動中可能會啟動。

* 如果你躺在床上，躺在原地保持不動，用枕頭保護頭部。

* 如果你在室外，找一塊遠離房屋，樹木和電線的空地，然后蹲在地上。

* 如果你在車里，減速開到空地上。直到震動結束前呆在車里。