The following was reposted from the LA Fire Dept blog.

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The greater Southern California area has experienced a significant seismic event. The full scope and magnitude of this event are not known at this time.

The Los Angeles Fire Department is assessing the local situation, and reminds residents to prepare for more earthquake activity. If it's safe where you are right now, your best bet is to stay put. Don't go outside unless you think the building you're in is unsafe, and stay off the road unless absolutely necessary.

If indoors when the shaking starts again, protect yourself by staying away from windows and taking cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or by an inside wall. Cover your head and neck with your arms and wait till the shaking stops.

If you're outdoors when an aftershock begins, stay in the open away from buildings, bridges, signs and overhead wires. If you're in a car, pull over and stop at the first safe spot you come to, being careful to avoid similar hazards while remaining in your vehicle.

The Police and Fire Department know about the earthquake and are busy responding to the most serious problems first. Please... stay off the telephone... including your cell phone at this time... unless you are reporting a life-threatening injury or fire. Unnecessary calls to report the earthquake or to check on friends or relatives could keep life-saving calls to 9-1-1 from getting through. 9-1-1 should only be used to request immediate help for life-threatening emergencies. Do not call 9-1-1 to ask questions.

You'll find emergency self-help instructions in the front pages of most telephone books. The Los Angeles Fire Department encourages you to stay tuned to your local source of broadcast news.

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Good advice. Also, if you can communicate via wireless internet or wired internet, that might be a better option. Circuit-switched phones are overloaded.