If I duck it is under a turned over sofa, that is sturdy. I lived in quake country for over 40 years, getting outside after the initial shaking has ended is advisible, the aftershocks are at times more dangerous than the original quake.
I had a warning system of one coming with my dog, when he started howling and did so nonstop, my neignbors and I knew one that was going to be felt was about to happen.
We got a 3 day advance warning.
Calif has quakes all the time, not all are regristered on the scale - you don't feel them.