The number of people dying in natural disasters is lower today than it was in the past. Earthquakes can still claim a large number of lives, though. However, if you find the right place to stay when the ground starts shaking, you might be able to save your life.

The safest place during an earthquake is likely an open field with no trees around, as the biggest danger is falling pieces. Since earthquakes happen suddenly without warning, you have to think quickly to stay safe. If you are indoors during an earthquake, remember: “drop, cover and hold on.”

Drop: When you feel the ground shaking, get down on your hands and knees. This keeps you from falling over. Quickly crawl under a strong desk or table nearby. Don’t try to run or walk to a safer place because you might fall. If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow until the shaking stops.    

Cover: Use one hand to cover your neck and head. Then crawl under a desk or table if there’s one close by. If not, move towards a wall inside the building, not the outside walls with windows. Stay on your hands and knees, keeping your hand over your neck for protection.

Hold on: Hold onto your desk or table with one hand while keeping the other over your neck and head. Be ready to move with the desk or table. Remember, don’t try to move until the shaking has completely stopped.

However, if you are outside, driving or at the beach, trying to find something to hide under may not be an option. 

1.What does the underlined word “claim” probably mean?

A Protect.

B Kill.

C Get.

D Save.

解析：选B。B词义猜测题。根据划线部分前文“people dying in natural disasters”以及后文的“save your life”可知地震仍然会夺取很多人的生命。故选B。

2.People get down on hands and knees during an earthquake to _______.

A stay still

B remain stable

C keep position

D increase energy

解析：选B。B细节理解题。根据第三段中的“This keeps you from falling over.”可知，人们在地震时蹲下时为了保持稳定，以防摔倒。故选B。

3.What CAN’T you depend on to cover your body?

A Your hands.

B A strong table.

C An inside wall.

D An outside wall.

解析：选D。D细节理解题。根据第四段中的“move towards a wall inside the building, not the outside walls with windows”可知，地震时不能依靠外墙，因为外墙上有窗户。故选D。

4.What may the text talk about next?

A How should you prepare for an earthquake?

B What should you do right after an earthquake?

C How to make your home more safe during an earthquake?

D What should you do if you’re outdoors during an earthquake?

解析：选D。D推理判断题。根据第二段中的“If you are indoors during an earthquake, remember: ‘drop, cover and hold on.’”和最后一段中的“However, if you are outside...”可知，接下来文章可能会讲到如果你在户外时应该如何应对地震。故选D。

5.Where can we read the text?

A In a history book.

B In a novel.

C In an art magazine.

D On a website.

解析：选D。D推理判断题。根据全文内容可知，文章介绍了几个发生地震时的保护自己的应对方法，并结合选项可知，我们最有可能在某个网站看到本文。故选D。