What should you do if your house starts to crack or break apart during an earthquake?

Question

If your house starts to crack or break apart during an earthquake, your immediate priority is personal safety. The structural integrity of the building is compromised, and it is no longer a safe place to be.

Here's what you should do:

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS (DURING STRONG SHAKING AND STRUCTURAL FAILURE):

If you are NOT already under sturdy cover:
- Move to the safest spot immediately available. This might still be under a table or desk if it hasn't collapsed, or against an interior wall away from windows and heavy furniture.
- Protect your head and neck with your arms. This is the most vital thing you can do to prevent serious injury from falling debris.
If your cover is failing or the structure around you is collapsing:
- Try to move to a more stable part of the room or building if it is immediately accessible and doesn't expose you to greater danger. This is a very risky decision and should only be attempted if your current location is clearly becoming life-threatening.
- Continue to protect your head and neck at all times.

AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS (IF YOUR HOUSE IS DAMAGED):

Evacuate IMMEDIATELY and CAREFULLY:
- Do not wait to assess further damage inside. If the house is cracking or breaking apart, its structural integrity is severely compromised, and aftershocks could cause further collapse.
- Use the safest and most direct route out. Be aware of debris and unstable areas.
- If possible, help others evacuate, but prioritize your own safety first.
- If stairs seem unstable, try to use a ground-floor exit.
Be Aware of Hazards While Evacuating:
- Watch for falling debris: Cracks can widen, and parts of the house could continue to fall even after the main shaking stops.
- Avoid downed power lines: These are extremely dangerous.
- Be cautious of broken glass and sharp objects. Wear sturdy shoes if possible.
- If you smell gas, evacuate immediately and do not use anything electrical (lights, switches) that could create a spark. Report the leak to the authorities from a safe distance.
Move to an Open and Safe Area:
- Once outside, move away from the damaged building and any other structures that could collapse.
- The safest place is an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
Check for Injuries:
- Once in a safe location, check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid if you are trained.
Listen for Information and Follow Instructions:
- Tune into local news or emergency broadcasts for updates and instructions from authorities.
Be Prepared for Aftershocks:
- Aftershocks can be strong enough to cause further damage to weakened structures. Continue to be vigilant even after you have evacuated.

What NOT to do:

Do not run outside during strong shaking if you are already inside. The greatest risk of injury is from falling debris right outside buildings. Wait until the shaking stops.
Do not try to retrieve belongings while the house is actively cracking or breaking apart. Your life is the priority.
Do not re-enter a severely damaged building until it has been inspected and declared safe by qualified professionals.

In summary, if your house starts to crack or break apart during an earthquake, your priority shifts from "drop, cover, and hold on" within a potentially safe space to immediate and careful evacuation once the shaking subsides. The structural failure indicates the building is no longer safe.