Best Practices during Earthquakes for High Rise Buildings

Living or working in a high-rise building during an earthquake can be daunting, but with the right knowledge and technology, you can increase your chances of staying safe. Earthquakes are sudden and unpredictable, but your response doesn't have to be. Whether you’re a building administrator or a tenant, here are the best actions to take during an earthquake—and how Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERIs) with alarm systems can make a critical difference.

4/8/20252 min read

1. Stay Where You Are—Don’t Rush for the Exit

In a high-rise, trying to run out during an earthquake is not safe. Stairwells can be crowded or damaged, and elevators should never be used. Instead:

If you're indoors, stay indoors.
Move away from windows, glass, and heavy objects that could fall.
Don’t use elevators. Use stairs only after the shaking stops and it's safe to evacuate.

2. Drop, Cover, and Hold On

The “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method is the standard safety action during shaking:

Drop to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over.
Cover your head and neck under a sturdy desk or table. If none is nearby, use your arms to protect your head and crouch near an interior wall.
Hold On to your shelter until the shaking stops.

3. Be Prepared for Aftershocks

Even after the initial quake, aftershocks can occur within minutes or hours. Continue to stay alert and follow the same safety steps if you feel additional shaking.

4. Use Caution When Evacuating

Once the shaking stops:

Check for injuries and hazards.
Evacuate the building only if directed to do so or if you see clear structural damage (cracks in walls, water leakage, or fire).
Use stairs carefully. Power outages may disable elevators and emergency lighting.

5. Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERIs)

High-rise buildings can benefit significantly from installing Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERIs). These instruments do more than record seismic activity—they can be equipped with alarm systems that:

Provide real-time alerts to building administrators and tenants.
Trigger automatic notifications to initiate emergency protocols.
Offer insights post-event to assess building safety and determine necessary inspections.

Having ERIs in place means building managers can act faster, inform occupants immediately, and potentially prevent panic through guided communication.

Final Thoughts

While we can’t prevent earthquakes, we can be prepared. Knowing how to react in a high-rise building—and integrating technology like Earthquake Recording Instruments—makes a real difference in improving safety for everyone inside.

If you manage a high-rise property or live in one, now’s the time to consider whether your building is equipped with modern seismic monitoring tools. In the critical moments of an earthquake, timely alerts can save lives.

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