What Is An Earthquake And Where Is It Formed?

An earthquake is the shaking of the crust of the earth and is caused by underground volcanic forces or by shifting of rock. They are found in the Ring of Fire, a large circle of volcanoes in the

Safety Tips

During The Shaking

1. Don't panic. The motion is frightening, but, unless it shakes something on top of you, it can't hurt you. The earth does not open, gulp down houses, and close shut. Keep calm and ride it out.

2. If it catches you indoors, stay indoors. Get under a desk, table, or in hallways, doorways, and against side walls. Stay away from glass.

3. Don't use candles, matches, or other open flames, either during or after the earthquake.

4. If the earthquake catches you outside, move away from buildings and utility wires. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

5. If you are around or in a building, don't run through or near it. The place where the most materials fall is just outside doorways and close to outer walls.

6. If you are in a moving car, stop as quickly as you can, and stay inside the car. Your car will juggle furiously but it's a good place to stay until the shaking stops.

After The Shaking

1. Check utilities, but don't turn them on. Movement by the earth could have cracked water, gas, and electrical conduits.

2. Open windows and shut off the main valve, if you smell gas. Next, leave the building and report gas leakage to authorities. Don't go back in the building until an official says it's safe.

3. Shut off the supply at the main valve, if water mains are damaged.

4. If electrical wiring is shorting out, close the switch at the main meter box.

5. Turn on your radio or television if conditions permit in order to get the latest emergency bulletins.

6 . Stay off the telephone unless you're reporting an emergency.

7. Don't go sight-seeing.

8. Stay out of damaged buildings. Aftershocks can shake them down.