What To Do in the Event of an Earthquake

I live in Japan and that means earthquakes will happen. Although historically Okinawa has not sustained the same magnitude of earthquakes (and their subsequent destruction) as in the mainland, we are far from immune to them.

For example, yesterday we had a pretty significant earthquake here. The seismic effects of the quake (whose epicenter was north and west of the main island, Okinawa Honto) was measured at JMA 3. JMA stands for Japan Meteorological Agency. At JMA 3 the following are likely to be observed:
"Rather strong. Slight shaking of houses and buildings, rattling of doors and Japanese sliding doors (shoji). The water surface of a vessel can be seen to ripple. Felt to be slightly surprising, and sleeping persons wake up, but they do not run outside or feel afraid. Many people outside feel it, but some pedestrians may not." (This is from an explanation of the scale here)

We were in our 日本語 (Japanese language) class when the quake began and it lasted for about thirty seconds. It was bizarre feeling the earth move around like that, like being drunk and then laying down.

I'm including a link to a .pdf that gives pretty great information about what to do if an earthquake strikes:

If outdoors

• Avoid stone walls and vending machines
• Get away from buildings and go to the nearest open space

If at the office

• Protect your head with a cushion and get under a desk
• Get away from book cases, and tall furniture; the best places are uncluttered hallways and lobby areas
• Watch for objects underfoot (such as broken glass or sharp metal)
• Don't use an elevator, use the stairs; if you're in an elevator, use the emergency phone

At the Supermarket

• Cover your head and get away from aisle displays that might fall on you
• Get under a sturdy desk or near a support column
• Do not rush to the exit: follow instructions issued by the store personnel

When Driving

• Pull over to the left (or whatever side you drive on)
• Do not leave the car until the tremors subside
• Close your windows, turn off the car, and leave the keys in the ignition with the doors unlocked
• Do not try to evacuate by car

The big worry with an earthquake is being crushed by walls or vending machines or other large pieces of furniture or building frontages.
The next biggest concern is that gas lines will be ruptured and cause serious fires; so, turn off the gas as soon as you can.

[UPDATED 12:18pm]
Here's an article from Scientific American the same magazine my wife was published in last year.