EARTHQUAKE SAFETY - STEP 6

[The following information was taken from Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country, which can be found at http://ussc.utah.gov/publications/roots_earthquake.pdf.]


After the Earthquake, Check for Injuries and Damage

Once earthquake shaking has stopped, fol­low your disaster preparedness plans (see Step 2). Most importantly:

Check for Injuries

NOTE: The manual in your first aid kit and the front pages of your telephone book have instructions on first aid measures.

• Check yourself for serious injuries before helping others. Protect your mouth, nose, and eyes from dust.
• If a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound. Use clean gauze or cloth, if available.
• If a person is not breathing, adminis­ter rescue breathing.
• if a person has no pulse, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
• Do not move seriously injured per­sons, unless they are in immediate danger of further harm.
• Cover injured persons with blankets or additional clothing to keep them warm.

Check for Damage Causing Hazardous Conditions

Fire— If possible, put out small fires in your home or neighborhood immedi­ately. Call for help, but don’t wait for the fire department.

Gas leaks— Turn off the gas only if you suspect a leak because of broken pipes or detect the odor or sound of leaking natural gas. Use a manual gas shut-off wrench to close your main gas valve by turning it counterclock­wise. Don’t turn gas back on by your­self—wait for the gas company! (Your telephone book has information on this topic.)

Damaged electrical wiring— Shut off power at the main breaker switch if there is any damage to your home wiring. Leave the power off until the damage is repaired! (Your telephone book also has information on this topic.)

Downed utility lines—If you see downed power lines, consider them energized and keep yourself and oth­ers well away from them. Never touch downed power lines or any objects in contact with them!

Falling items—Beware of heavy items tumbling off shelves when you open closet and cupboard doors.

Spills—Use extreme caution; when in doubt, leave your home. Spilled med­icines, drugs, or other relatively non-toxic substances can be cleaned up. Potentially harmful materials, such as bleach, lye, garden chemicals, paint, and gasoline or other flammable liq­uids should be isolated or covered with an absorbent material, such as dirt or cat litter.

Damaged masonry—Stay away from brick chimneys and walls. They may be weakened and could topple dur­ing aftershocks. Don’t use a fireplace with a damaged chimney, as this could start a fire or trap toxic gases in your home.

If your home is seriously damaged

If your home is structurally unsafe or threatened by a fire or other secondary disaster, you need to evacuate. However, shelters may be overcrowded and ini­tially lack basic services, so do not leave home just because utilities are out of ser­vice or your home and its contents have suffered moderate damage.

If you evacuate, tell a neighbor and your family point-of-contact where you are going. Take the following, if possible, when you evacuate:

Bring to a shelter

• Personal disaster supply kits (see STEP 3, page 25).
• Supply of water, food, and snacks.
• Blanket, pillow, and air mattress or sleeping pad.
• Change of clothing and a jacket.
• Towel and washcloth.
• Diapers, formula, food, and other supplies for infants.
•  A few family pictures or other small comfort items, such as dolls or teddy bears for children.
• Personal identification and copies of household and health insurance information.
• Books and games (especially for chil­dren).

However, do not bring..

• Pets (service animals for people with disabilities are allowed—bring food for them).
• Large quantities of unnecessary cloth­ing or other personal items.
• Valuables that might be lost, stolen or take up needed space.