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.
When Safe, Continue to Follow Your Disaster-Preparedness Plan
Once you have met your and your family’s immediate needs after the next strong Utah earthquake, continue to follow your disaster-preparedness plan (see Step 2, page 24).
The first days after the quake
In the days following a damaging quake, pay special attention to the following:
Safety first
· Do not re-enter your home until you know it is safe.
· Be sure there are no gas leaks at your home before using open flames (lighters, matches, candles, or grills) or operating any electrical or mechanical device that could create a spark (light switches, generators, chain saws, or motor vehicles).
· Check for chemical spills, faulty electrical wiring, and broken water lines. Water in contact with faulty wiring is a shock hazard.
· Unplug broken or toppled light fixtures or appliances. These could start fires when electricity is restored.
· Never use the following indoors: camp stoves, kerosene or gas lanterns or heaters, gas or charcoal grills, or gas generators, as these can release deadly carbon monoxide gas or be a fire hazard in aftershocks.
Be in communication
· Turn on your portable or car radio and listen for information and safety advisories.
· Place all phones back on their cradles
· Call your out-of-area contact, tell them your status, and then stay off the phone—emergency responders need the phone lines for life-saving communications.
· Check on your neighbors.
Check your food and water supplies
· If power is off, plan meals so as to use up refrigerated and frozen foods first. If you keep the door closed, food in your freezer may be good for a couple of days.
· If your water is off, you can drink from water heaters, melted ice cubes, or canned vegetables. Avoid drinking the water from swimming pools or hot tubs; use it to fight fires.
The first weeks after the quake
· This is a time of transition. Although aftershocks may continue, you will now work toward getting your life, your home and family, and your routines back in order. Emotional care and recovery are just as important as healing physical injuries and rebuilding a home. Make sure your home is safe to occupy and not in danger of collapse in aftershocks. If you were able to remain in your home or return to it after a few days, you will have a variety of tasks to accomplish while re-establishing routines:
Tasks
· If your gas was turned off, you will need to arrange for the gas company to turn it back on.
· If the electricity went off and then came back on, check your appliances and electronic equipment for damage.
· If water lines broke, look for water damage.
· Locate or replace critical documents that may have been misplaced, damaged, or destroyed.
· Contact your insurance agent or com• pany to begin your claims process.
· Contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to find out about financial assistance. For FEMA teleregistration, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
· If you cannot live at your home, set up an alternative mailing address with the post office.
If you can’t stay in your home
The American Red Cross offers immediate emergency assistance with housing needs. The Red Cross also supports shelter operations prior to a presidential declaration of a federal disaster.
Once a presidential declaration has been issued, FEMA may activate the Assistance for Individuals and Households Program. This program includes:
· Home-repair cash grants; the maximum federal grant available is $28,800 for all individual and family assistance.
· Housing assistance in the form of reimbursement for short-term lodging expenses at a hotel or motel.
· Rental assistance for as long as 18 months in the form of cash payment for a temporary rental unit or a manufactured home.
· If no other housing is available, FEMA may provide mobile homes or other temporary housing.
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