Though it is estimated@ that about 500,000 earthquakes occur eachyear,only 100 of them cause damage!However,an earthquake couldoccur any time of the day or night so it pays to be prepared if you areunfortunately caught in the middle of one. If you are indoors,stay indoors unless you are in the ground floorwhere you can easily run outside.The best thing to do if you areindoors is hide under a strong piece of furniture3 like a bed ordesk.Do not try to head for the stairway if you are living in an upperstorey,as the stairways may collapse@.