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.

地震是一种经常发生的自然现象，地表之下每天要发生几千次的震动，但大地震还是比较少见的。下面给大家介绍一些地震预防准备以及一旦地震发生时的应对方法。

滨海区房屋受损

安全贴士

* 做好预防地震的准备计划。

* 请教专业人士，学习如何把家变得更牢固，比如将书架钉在立柱墙上，在碗碟橱里安装牢固的门闩，把热水器捆在立柱墙上。

* 在屋里的每间房间中都确定有一个在地震发生时可以躲的地方，在那个地方不会有东西砸到你。

* 准备好罐装食品，新式急救箱，每人3加仑（11.4公升）的水，防尘面具和护目镜，还有电池型收音机和手电筒。

* 知道如何关闭煤气和水管的总开关。

如果地震开始

* 卧倒；躲在课桌或餐桌下，保持不动。

* 直到震动停止前呆在室内，确定安全后再逃出。

* 远离书架和家具，它们可能会压倒你。

* 远离窗户。在高楼大厦里，火警和洒水装置在震动中可能会启动。

* 如果你躺在床上，躺在原地保持不动，用枕头保护头部。

* 如果你在室外，找一块远离房屋，树木和电线的空地，然后蹲在地上。

* 如果你在车里，减速开到空地上。直到震动结束前呆在车里。