Earthquakes are the result of sudden movement along faults within the earth. Faults move when energy is realeased from a sudden slip of the rocks on either side. Earthquakes could be deadly depending on their magnitude. These magnitudes range anywhere from 2.5-8.0 and higher. Earthquakes are know for causing landslides, tsunamis, flooding, and other dangerous events. One of the most deadliest earthquakes affected Chile on May 22, 1960 with an estimated magnitude of 9.5 and this earthquake was caused by a fault that was almost 1,000 miles long. One of the countries that is mostly affected by earthquakes is Japan. This is because Japan in a very active seismic area.
Before an earthquake happens you should make an evacuation plan. This means creating a family communications plan that has out-of-state contact, Plan where you're going to meet with your family if you get seperated, make a supply kit that has enough food and water for several days, carry a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, and a whistle. Since an earthquake could happen at anytime these supplies should be at a spot where you could grab them at any time.
Earthquake safety is very important during an earthquake because you could get injured as a lot of objects could fall on your head, if the earthquake is strong enough to do so. One of the first steps do to during an earthquake is having your hands covering your neck and head. While you're moving make sure to find cover under a table as it is considered the safest spot during an earthquake. Once the earthquake is done you can safely start moving and taking your important supplies to help you for the next few days, but you should be on the lookout for news because a flood or tsunami could happen after the earthquake, that's if the earthquake was a magnitude 7.0 or higher.