What should you do during an earthquake if you are staying outdoors?

During an earthquake, if you are outdoors, the safest action is to lie on the ground and stay there until the shaking stops. This position minimizes your risk of injury from falling debris, which is a significant hazard during seismic events. By lying down, you reduce your profile and make yourself less vulnerable to being struck by objects or being knocked off balance.

Staying under cables or power lines is unsafe because these could potentially fall during an earthquake, posing a severe risk of electrocution or injury. Entering a building immediately may also be dangerous, as some structures could sustain damage during the quake, leading to further hazards once you are inside. Lastly, remaining in a field around trees is not advisable, as trees can lose branches or even fall, creating additional threats during an earthquake. Therefore, staying flat on the ground away from buildings, trees, and other hazards is the best approach to ensure personal safety during an earthquake.