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As residents of California, it is important for all of us to be prepared for an earthquake at any moment. After all, many of us live very close to the San Andreas Fault. Earthquakes can occur at any moment, and be truly devastating. This is why it is important that we all know what to do when an earthquake strikes.
If you are indoors when an earthquake strikes, you need to find a sturdy piece of furniture and get beneath that. Be sure to cover your head and neck with your hands and arms as best as you can. Do not stand in a doorway, since these are not typically any stronger than any other wall in the building. Be sure to stay away from windows or other glass objects that could shatter and break. Remain inside in a safe area until the shaking stops, and beware of falling debris as you exit the building.
If you are outside during an earthquake, find an open area away from tall trees, structures, and power lines, and then drop to the ground. If you are in a vehicle, pull over to the side of the road as quickly and safely as you can. You want to stop at a place that is away from tall structures, trees, powerlines, and over or underpasses. The vehicle will bounce around during the event, but stay inside. Do not leave the vehicle if there are downed powerlines near you. After the shaking has finished, you can drive on, but remember to do so with extreme caution as the shaking could have damaged the roadway.
Above everything else, it is important to remain calm. This will help you make better decisions, and help keep others calm around you.
These are just tips for what to do during an actual earthquake. A person needs to do a lot more planning and prepping if they want to be truly prepared for an earthquake. For instance, a person should have stored enough food and water supplies for 3 days for each member of the household.