What should you do first when an earthquake occurs?

When an earthquake occurs, the first action should be to ensure that everyone stays in place until the situation is assessed. This is based on the principle of safety during seismic events. In general, the safest immediate response during an earthquake is to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On," which involves protecting oneself rather than moving around.

Encouraging people to stay in place helps minimize the risk of injury, as moving during shaking can expose individuals to falling objects, debris, or unsafe structures. Once the shaking stops, the situation can be assessed to determine if evacuation is necessary and safe, based on evaluations of any damage and hazards.

This action prioritizes the safety of all occupants, allowing for a more organized and informed response after the initial event has passed.