Emergency Preparedness/Disaster Services

526 - What To Do After an Earthquake

After an earthquake, it is extremely important to remember these points:

1. Be prepared for aftershocks. These secondary shock-waves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures.

2. Check for injuries. Check yourself for injuries first. Then, check others. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, make sure he/she is not in contact with electrical lines. If so, do not touch the person. Attempt to shut off power at the source. Then stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately.

* If the victim is not breathing but has good pupil reflex, carefully position the victim for artificial respiration, clear the airway and commence mouth-to- mouth resuscitation.

* Maintain body temperature with blankets. Be sure the victim does not become overheated.

* Never try to feed liquids to an unconscious person.

3. If the electricity goes out, use flashlights or battery powered lanterns. Do not use candles, matches or open flames indoors after the earthquake because of possible gas leaks.

4. Wear sturdy shoes in areas covered with fallen debris and broken glass.

5. Check your home for structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your home inspected by a professional before entering.

6. Check chimneys for damage. The initial check should be made from a distance. Have a professional inspect the chimney for internal damage before lighting a fire.

7. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids inside buildings. Evacuate the building if gasoline fumes are heavy and the building is not well ventilated.

8. Visually inspect utility lines and appliances for damage.

* If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave the building. Shut off the main gas valve outside, if you can. Report the leak to the gas company from a neighbor's house. Stay out of the building. If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, you will need a professional to turn it back on.

* If there is electrical damage, switch off all electrical power at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.

* If water pipes are damaged, shut off the water supply at the main valve.

* Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.

9. If water is cut off, use water from the water heater.

10. Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.

11. Use the phone only to report a life threatening emergency.

12. Listen to news reports for the latest emergency information. Both Channel 16, the city's local government access channel and the city's website at www.smgov.net, as well as other TV and radio stations, will offer frequent updates to keep you informed.

13. Stay off the streets. If you must go out, watch for hazards created by the earthquake, such as fallen objects, downed electrical wires, weakened walls, bridges, roads and sidewalks.

14. Stay away from damaged areas, unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire or relief organizations.

15. Be aware of possible tsunamis, which are very high, destructive sea waves resulting from earthquakes. When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach. Refer to Message 524 for more information on how to prepare for such an event.