EARTHQUAKES
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning.
Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance
planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of
life from an earthquake.
BEFORE Check
for hazards in the home.
- Fasten
shelves securely to walls.
- Place
large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
- Store
breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china
in low, closed cabinets with latches.
- Hang heavy
items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds,
couches, and anywhere people sit.
- Brace
overhead light fixtures.
- Repair
defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.
These are potential fire risks.
- Secure a
water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and
bolting it to the floor.
- Repair any
deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert
advice if there are signs of structural defects.
- Store weed
killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in
closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
Identify safe
places in each room.
- Under
sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
- Against an
inside wall.
- Away from
where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors,
pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy
furniture could fall over.
Locate safe places
outdoors.
In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and
electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
Make sure all
family members know how to respond after an earthquake.
Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas,
electricity, and water.
Teach children
how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and
which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
Contact your
local emergency management office or American Red Cross
chapter for more information on earthquakes.
Have disaster
supplies on hand.
- Flashlight
and extra batteries
- Portable
battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid
kit and manual
- Emergency
food and water
-
Nonelectric can opener
- Essential
medicines
- Cash and
credit cards
- Sturdy
shoes
Develop an
emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during
an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults
are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for
reuniting after the disaster.
Ask an
out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family
contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long
distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name,
address, and phone number of the contact person.
DURING If
indoors:
- Take cover
under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside
wall and hold on.
- Stay
inside.
- The most
dangerous thing to do during the shaking of an
earthquake is to try to leave the building because
objects can fall on you.
If outdoors:
- Move into
the open, away from buildings, street lights, and
utility wires.
- Once in
the open, stay there until the shaking stops.
If in a moving
vehicle:
- Stop
quickly and stay in the vehicle.
- Move to a
clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or
utility wires.
- Once the
shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges
or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.
Pets after an
Earthquake
- The
behavior of pets may change dramatically after an
earthquake. Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs
may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals
closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard.
- Pets may
not be allowed into shelters for health and space
reasons. Prepare an emergency pen for pets in the home
that includes a 3-day supply of dry food and a large
container of water.
AFTER Be prepared
for aftershocks.
Although smaller than the main shock, aftershocks cause
additional damage and maybring weakened structures down.
Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or
even months after the quake.
Help injured or
trapped persons.
Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously
injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of
further injury. Call for help.
Listen to a
battery-operated radio or television for the latest
emergency information.
Remember to
help your neighbors who may require special
assistance--infants, the elderly, and people with
disabilities.
Stay out of
damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it
is safe.
- Use the
telephone only for emergency calls.
- Clean up
spilled medicines, bleaches or gasoline or other
flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you
smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.
- Open
closet and cupboard doors cautiously.
- Inspect
the entire length of chimneys carefully for damage.
Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.
INSPECTING
UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME Check for gas leaks--If you
smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window
and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the
outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from
a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason,
it must be turned back on by a professional.
Look for
electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or
frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the
electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you
have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit
breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
Check for
sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines
are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If
water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid
using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by
melting ice cubes. |
