Seismic Intensity Scale

Intensity		Strong Ground Acceleration (cm/s2,gal)	Effects on People	Effects Indoors	Effects Outdoors
0	Micro	below 0.8 gal	Not felt.
1	Very minor	0.8-2.5 gal	Felt only by a few people at rest, vibrates slightly.
2	Minor	2.5-8.0 gal	Felt by the majority of people. Some awakened from sleeping.	Hanging lamps and objects vibrate slightly.	Standing vehicles vibrate slightly, similar to being passed by a truck, but only lasts for a short time.
3	Light	8.0-25 gal	Felt by nearly everyone, a few frightened.	Buildings shake; dishes, windows, and doors shake making sounds; hanging objects shake visibly.	Standing vehicles vibrate obviously; electric wires sway gently.
4	Moderate	25-80 gal	Many people are quite frightened, looking for safe shelter. Most people are awakened from sleep.	Buildings rock noticeably; unstable objects topple over; heavy furniture moves; may cause slight damage.	Felt by drivers; electric wires sway obviously, felt by people walking.
5	Strong	80-250 gal	Most people are considerably frightened.	Walls crack; heavy furniture may overturn.	Noticeably felt by drivers; some chimneys and large archways topple over.
6	Very strong	250-400 gal	People have trouble walking due to violent rocking.	Damage to some buildings; heavy furniture overturns; doors and windows bend.	Drivers have trouble steering; sand and clay blasts occur.
7	Great	400 gal and above	People move with difficulty due to severe rocking.	Severe damage to or collapse of some buildings; almost all furniture moves or falls down.	Landslides and faults rupture occur; railway bend; underground lines break.

Before earthquake

• Learn how to turn on and shut off gas, tap-water, and electricity valves.
• Keep hanging objects firmly secured; lock up the cabinet tight.
• Do not place weighty objects on high shelves; secure heavy furnishings.
• Secure a shelter in advance.
• Fire equipment should be examined regularly.

During earthquake

• Keep calm and immediately shut off electricity, gas, and tap-water.
• Protect yourself from falling objects such as signs or potted plants.
• If you are in the suburbs, avoid cliffs, riversides, and shores, and move to a clear area.
• Do not try to rush out of a building; do not use elevators.

After earthquake

• Check if people near you are hurt and give necessary first aid.
• Turn on the radio for emergency instructions and disaster reports.
• Better to wear shoes or boots to avoid being hurt by broken window glass or other sharp objects.
• Check the structure of the house and quickly leave there if it is damaged; during evacuation, take the stairs.
• Stay away from beaches and ports in case tsunami should happen.
• Be aware of aftershocks.