Best Practices during Earthquakes for High Rise Buildings
- Skempton Construction
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read

1. Stay Put – Don’t Rush to Exit
In a high-rise, running for the exit during an earthquake can be dangerous. Stairwells may be blocked or damaged, and elevators must never be used during shaking.
If you're inside, stay inside.
Move away from windows, glass, or anything that could fall.
Wait until the shaking stops before using the stairs to evacuate—never use elevators.
2. Drop, Cover, and Hold On
This is the recommended action during an earthquake:
Drop to your hands and knees to stay balanced.
Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk. If nothing is nearby, protect your head with your arms and crouch by an interior wall.
Hold On to your shelter until the shaking ends.
3. Expect Aftershocks
Aftershocks may follow the main quake within minutes or hours. Stay alert and be ready to repeat the safety steps if shaking resumes.
4. Evacuate with Caution
Once the shaking stops:
Check yourself and others for injuries.
Only evacuate if there's visible damage (e.g., cracks, leaks, or fire) or if instructed to do so.
Use stairs carefully—elevators and lighting may be out due to power failure.
5. Install Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERIs)
ERIs offer critical support in high-rises. Beyond recording seismic activity, modern systems can:
Send real-time alerts to building management and occupants.
Automatically activate emergency response protocols.
Provide post-event data to guide safety assessments and inspections.
ERIs help building managers respond quickly and reduce confusion by delivering clear guidance during emergencies.
Final Reminder
We can't stop earthquakes, but we can reduce the risk. Being prepared—and installing tools like ERIs—can significantly enhance safety in high-rise buildings. Ambraseys Earthquake Systems' (a brand of Skempton Construction Corporation) specialised line of seismic accelerograph instrumentation is well suited for providing live and accurate monitoring and can integrate with a building's alert systems. Find out more information at www.ambraseys.ph.
If you manage or live in a high-rise, now is the time to assess whether your building is equipped with proper seismic monitoring systems. In an emergency, seconds matter—and informed action saves lives.
Comments