At the Governor's Public Safety Summit held last May, representatives of FEMA and Homeland Security both stressed the importance of being ready for an earthquake. In fact, on a national level, the possibility of a severe earthquake in Utah continues to be one of their top concerns. The state is transected by fault lines and we are overdue for a major quake.

 What would you do if right now, as you're reading this article, the room suddenly started to shake and rock back and forth and the ground felt like it was dropping out from under you? What objects and furniture around you aren't secure and would tip over or become airborne? What if the shaking didn't let up for at least a minute or two?

A higher magnitude earthquake causes a lot of movement and instability, so it's important to take actions that will reduce injury. The best response is to DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON. The main point is to try not to move, but immediately protect yourself the best you can, right where you are. Earthquakes occur without any warning and may be too violent to walk or crawl without being knocked to the ground. If you cannot DROP, COVER and HOLD ON, there are modified actions you should immediately take such as crouching down and covering your head and neck with your arms.

INDOORS: DROP to the ground immediately; take COVER by getting under something (desk, table, counter, etc.) and HOLD ON to the object until the shaking stops.

IN BED: Stay there and hold on; protect your head with a pillow.

IN A PUBLIC BUILDING: DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON or protect your head and neck as best as possible. Do not use the elevators. When the shaking stops, move to designated areas and wait for instructions.

STADIUM OR THEATER: DROP, COVER and HOLD ON or protect your head and neck. Don't try to leave until the shaking is over.

OUTDOORS: Move to a clear area away from buildings, wires or anything that could fall and hurt you, but only if you can safely do so. Otherwise, stay where you are and DROP, COVER and HOLD ON or protect your head and neck.

DRIVING: Try to pull over to the side of the road and stop. Set the parking brake. Avoid bridges and overhead hazards. Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking is over.

What if you use a wheelchair or have other mobility impairments and cannot DROP, COVER and HOLD ON? Protect your head and neck with a pillow or your arms, and bend over to protect yourself if you are able.

WHAT NOT TO DO: DO NOT try to get to a "safer place" or move outside. Movement will be very difficult, and many earthquake-related injuries and deaths in the U.S. are caused by falling or flying objects (TVs, lamps, bookcases, glass, bricks) rather than a collapsed building.

Earthquakes in Utah are both unpredictable and inevitable. How would we handle a "Big One"? Utah emergency officials are planning a large, state-wide earthquake drill in this spring, but you don't have to wait to complete your own earthquake preparedness measures. Start now by moving furniture such as bookcases away from beds, sofas, or other places where you sleep or often sit. Move heavy objects to lower shelves. Then look for other items in your home that may be hazardous in an earthquake. Taking simple action now can prevent injury or even save a life down the road.