WHAT TO DO BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE
Movement of the ground seldom is the actual cause of death or injury. Most casualties result from partial building collapses, falling objects and debris, like toppling chimneys, falling bricks, ceiling plaster, and light fixtures. Many of these conditions can be prevented by taking a few steps now to prepare.
- Place heavier objects on lower shelves to prevent breakage and personal injury.
- Bolt to walls anything that might topple, like top-heavy shelves, appliances, and furniture. Don't hang heavy picture frames or mirrors over the bed. Don't hang plants in heavy pots that could swing free of hooks.
- Strap your water heater to wall studs with metal plumbing tape to prevent broken pipes and fires.
- Locate master switches and shutoff valves for all utilities and know how to turn them off. Your local utility company can show you.
- Keep on hand a flashlight; a portable radio with fresh batteries; a first-aid kit; a fire extinguisher (Class C is designed to use safely on any type of fire, including electrical, grease, and gas); a three-day supply of fresh water; nonperishable, ready-to-eat foods; and an adjustable wrench for turning off gas and water.
WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
...indoors
Drop to the floor
before the earthquake drops you!
Take Cover
under a sturdy desk or table
or get down next to a wall and cover your head with your arms
Hold On firmly
if under a shelter, be ready to move with it until the shaking stops
DO NOT get in a doorway!
- It does not protect you from falling items
- In strong shaking you cannot stand or brace yourself
...outdoors
If you are outside, stay outside, and stay away from buildings utility wires, sinkholes, and fuel and gas lines.
The area near the exterior walls of a building is the most dangerous place to be. Windows, facades and architectural details are often the first parts of the building to collapse.
If outdoors, move away from buildings, utility wires, sinkholes, and fuel and gas lines. The greatest danger from falling debris is just outside doorways and close to outer walls. Once in the open, get down low (to avoid being knocked down by strong shaking) and stay there until the shaking stops.
If you're in an automobile..
If you are in a moving automobile, stop as quickly and safely as possible. Move your car to the shoulder or curb, away from utility poles, overhead wires, and under- or overpasses. Stay in the car and set the parking brake. Turn on the radio for emergency broadcast information. If a power line falls on the car, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
The area near the exterior walls of a building is the most dangerous place to be. Windows, facades and architectural details are often the first parts of the building to collapse.
If outdoors, move away from buildings, utility wires, sinkholes, and fuel and gas lines. The greatest danger from falling debris is just outside doorways and close to outer walls. Once in the open, get down low (to avoid being knocked down by strong shaking) and stay there until the shaking stops.
If you're in an automobile..
If you are in a moving automobile, stop as quickly and safely as possible. Move your car to the shoulder or curb, away from utility poles, overhead wires, and under- or overpasses. Stay in the car and set the parking brake. Turn on the radio for emergency broadcast information. If a power line falls on the car, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
WHAT TO DO AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
- Wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet from broken glass.
- Check for injuries and apply necessary first aid.
- Check gas, water, electrical lines, and appliances for damage. If you smell gas or see a broken line, shut off the main valve. Do not switch on the gas or electricity again until the power company checks your home. Do not light matches, use any open flames, or turn on electrical switches or appliances until you are certain that there are no gas leaks.
- Check to see that sewage lines are intact before you use the toilet. Plug bathtub and sink drains to prevent sewage backup.
- Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, and other flammable liquids.
- Check for building damage and potential safety hazards- like cracks around chimneys or foundations.
- Be prepared for aftershocks, which can further damage weakened structures.
- Listen to the radio for public-safety instructions.
- Do not use the telephone except in an emergency.