A. Before an earthquake: • Follow and advocate local safe building codes for earthquake resistant construction. • Follow and advocate upgrading poorly built structures. • Make plan and preparation for emergency relief. • Identify the medical centres, fire fighting stations, police posts and organise relief society of your area. • Know the electric and water shut off locations in your house. • Heavy objects, glasses, cutlery should be kept in lower shelves. • Flower pots should not be kept on the parapet. B. During an earthquake: • Keep calm and reassure others. • During the event, the safest place is an open space, away from buildings. • If you are indoors, take cover under a desk, table, bed or doorways and against inside walls and staircase. Stay away from glass doors, glass panes, windows or outside doors. Do not rush to go out of the building, to avoid stampede. • If you are outside, move away from buildings and utility wires. • Once in the open, stay there till the vibrations stop