After Emergency
WHAT TO DO AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE OR OTHER EMERGENCY
WHAT TO DO
- Go to your family reunification site
- Help your neighbors who require special assistance--infants, elderly, people with disabilities.
- Help injured or trapped persons.
- Give first aid where appropriate.
- Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information.
- 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.
EARTHQUAKE
After an earthquake it takes about 3x as long to get from point A to B.
This is due to: traffic, lack of transportation, road hazards
Be prepared for aftershocks in the first hours, days and weeks after the quake.
Open closet and cupboard doors cautiously.
UTILITIES
Gas Leaks
If (and ONLY 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.
Call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it should be turned back on by a professional.
Electrical System
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.
Sewage and Water Lines
If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using toilets and call a plumber.
If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using tap water.
WHAT NOT TO DO
- Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
- Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
- Do not turn off gas if there is no evidence of damage
