With images of Japan's devastating earthquake fresh on our minds, so is another round of Internet misinformation about what should be your first move during an earthquake, according to the King County Office of Emergency Management.

The county department wants Highline residents to know that "Drop, Cover, and Hold" is the best method to protect yourself during an earthquake in the United States, especially in our own quake-prone region.

Here's why, according to county experts:

Many injuries from earthquakes are caused from people running around while the ground is shaking. They fall down, run into furniture, step on broken glass, or are hit by falling objects._

In and around older buildings especially, there is a much higher likelihood of broken windows, falling bricks, and other dangerous debris._

Despite the urge to flee, experts advise people to stay put - you are more protected indoors under a sturdy desk or table._

Earthquakes in the U.S. do not typically result in total building collapse ("pancaking") due to high building construction standards.

Bill Steele, seismology lab coordinator at the University of Washington, noted, "The emergency management community has worked for decades researching earthquake response and recovery throughout the world and gathering best practices,"

"We know what works. In the urgency of disaster, people need to instinctively know what to do. And the right message is to 'Drop, Cover, and Hold.'"

DROP to the floor; Take COVER under a sturdy table, desk, or chair; and HOLD in place until the shaking stops.

Being ready for an earthquake includes practicing what you'll do when the earth shakes so that a safe response becomes automatic. Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate in the statewide earthquake drill on April 20th at 9:45 a.m., or to conduct their own drill at another convenient time.