An EARTHQUAKE is the trembling or sudden
shaking of the ground that happens when rock masses
on the Earth's surface are abruptly displaced. Earthquakes
happen along "fault lines" in the earth's crust, and their intensity and
magnitude can vary greatly. Some Earthquakes are so gentle they cannot be
felt by humans (even though they are detected and measured by scientists
using special instruments). Other Earthquakes, however, are very
noticeable, causing walls to shake, crack or crumble, and trees to be
uprooted. Earthquakes are very dangerous, and can result in significant
damage and loss of life from such events as falling buildings, collapsed
roads and bridges, or fires which start because of
ruptured gas lines or fallen electrical wires.

Earthquakes OCCUR because of the constant
motion which takes place as the "tectonic plates" of the
Earth's outer shell push against, pull away from, or grind past one
another. These plates are somewhat like giant jig-saw puzzle pieces.
Floating as they do an inner layer of molten rock, these seven major
plates (along with a few smaller ones) are constantly in motion. 
Forces build up as the plates attempt to move in relation to each
other. When the adhesions along the fault give way (resistance to friction
is overcome), stored energy is released in the form of earthquakes
and volcanic activity.

Impact of an Earthquake

It's not the Earth's shaking itself that causes the most injury
and harm. Instead, it's the things that the earthquake puts
into motion: the shaking of buildings, structures, and even ordinary
household items. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire can be
an earthquake hazard. During the shaking, cabinets and bookcases topple,
objects fall out of cabinets, and hanging or large plants fall.

Door frames and window jambs may be bent when walls
move. Doors may slam or jam shut, and window glass
can shatter, sending broken glass into the room.
Objects mounted on the walls (such as clocks,
maps, and pictures) may shake loose and fly
across the room.

During an Earthquake

If you are IN YOUR CLASSROOM when an Earthquake
occurs, You should immediately "DROP, COVER and HOLD ON!"
1. DROP to the ground

2. TAKE COVER under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture.
Kneel and bend your head close to your knees

3. HOLD ON to the table leg or desk
(a few inches above the ground to void pinching fingers).
Cover your eyes with your other hand.
If your "shelter" moves, move with it
                   
 

If you are AT
SCHOOL BUT NOT
IN THE CLASSROOM when an Earthquake
happens, you should immediately:

• Move away from heavy objects that may fall
• Move away from windows
• Take cover under a table or desk or in a corner
• If there is no cover available

(e.g, in the hallways and stairways):
- Move to an interior wall
- Kneel with back to wall
     - Place head close to knees

If you are AT
SCHOOL BUT NOT
IN THE CLASSROOM when an Earthquake
happens, you should immediately:

• If there is no cover available
  

(e.g, in the hallways and stairways):
- Clasp hands behind neck
- Cover side of head with arms

• If you are in the LIBRARY:
  

- move away from the books and bookshelves that
may fall on you
                           - Look for cover under a study desk or table                             
 

If you are AT
SCHOOL BUT NOT
IN THE CLASSROOM when an Earthquake
happens, you should immediately:

• If you are in the LIBRARY:
  

 - Stay inside usually the most dangerous place is just
 outside where building debris may fall;
 EXIT ONLY AFTER THE SHAKING HAS STOPPED

• If you are in the SCIENCE LAB:

- Extinguish all burners, if possible, before taking cover
- Take cover away from hazardous chemicals that
may spill

If you are
OUTDOORS when
an Earthquake happens, you should
immediately:

• Move to an open space away from buildings, fences, trees, tall
  playground equipment and overhead power lines
  
  
• Kneel or sit on the ground and cover your head and face with your hands
   
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops

If you are
IN A VEHICLE when
an Earthquake happens, you should
immediately:

• The driver should stop the vehicle away from power lines, bridges,
  buildings, and overpasses
  
  
• Everyone should stay in their seats, protect their heads and faces
  from heavy objects that may fall from overhead racks
   
• Hold on to the seat in front