Unfortunately, most people aren't in an open meadow when earthquakes hit. What to Do After an Earthquake. Avoid windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances and cabinets filled with heavy objects. Get to higher ground as far inland as possible. If you are trapped, try to attract attention to your location. Damaged buildings, damaged power lines, and leaking gas and water lines are just a few of the hazards you might face after an earthquake. The risk for injury during and after an earthquake is high. Check gas, electrical, and water lines for damage. Take care of yourself and each other and know when and how to seek help. Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones during cleanup after an earthquake. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings rush to move to another location inside the building or outside. Not so smart. Your state, tribal, local, or territorial health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area. Do not use match-stick, candles, or any flame during or after An ... 2. Connect with family, friends, and others in your community. If you are inside, stay inside. DO NOT turn on the gas again if you turned it off; let the gas company do it DO NOT use matches, lighters, camp stoves or barbecues, electrical equipment, appliances UNTIL you are sure there are no... DO NOT use … Outside isn't safer than inside, if you stand next to power lines, streetlights, … Seek Out Power Lines. Use a flashlight to check utilities and do not shut them off … Try to stay calm and … Do not use matches, lighters, appliances, or light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks. After an Earthquake. If the tap water in your home is working after an earthquake hits, fill up your bathtub and any other containers you can find. If your bed is under a heavy light fixture that might fall, move someplace safe. 4. Wait until local authorities tell you it is safe to go inside. Do not move around or kick up dust. Outside isn't safer than inside, if you stand next to power lines, streetlights, … If driving, move away from overpasses, stop slowly in a safe area, and stay in your vehicle. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust. If you need to get out of the building, take the stairs. Do not try to run out of the structure during strong shaking. You will be better able to care for others if you are not injured or if you have received first aid for your injuries. Only exception? 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Always stay near lit candles. Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family, and your community recover from a disaster. Listen to reports from local officials for advice on water precautions in your home. CHECK FOOD AND WATER SUPPLIES--Do not eat or drink anything from open containers near shattered glass If power is off, plan meals to use up foods that will spoil quickly or frozen foods (food in the freezer should be good for at least a couple of days) Don't … Don't light matches or use a lighter that could cause gas in the air to explode. IF OUTSIDE, you need to move to an open area. Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Anything that could fall over during an earthquake and land on a person is a hazard. For example, it’s a good idea to keep a flashlight and a pair of shoes next to your bed. 2. Check yourself for injuries and get first aid, if necessary, before helping injured or trapped persons. This can include equipment like generators, pressure washers, charcoal grills, and camp stoves. Be prepared for aftershock. What should I do after the earthquake stops? These appliances can potentially start a fire if left unattended. Check to make sure you are not hurt. If you're in your car when the quake hits, the last thing you want to do is drive over a bridge or ramp that might have been damaged. (Note: if gas is turned off, a professional must restore service.). Call 911 or your public health department to report them. 1. 4. After an earthquake, you may experience aftershocks. You can stay in the safer part of the room. Stay clear of fallen power lines. Leave your home or building if you hear shifting or unusual noises. You … If you are trapped in debris, do not move so that you will not kick up any dust around you. A earthquake of that magnitude so close to the most densely populated portion of the state put a lot of people at great risk for injury, or even death. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Visit Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After an Emergency for more information. If you live near the ocean. If the quake KO's the power in your area, you might get trapped inside the building. Watch out for fallen power lines that may be hanging overhead. After an earthquake, aftershocks are expected. Broken gas lines and fire don't mix. During an earthquake, you do NOT want that to happen! Think again. Temporary health care services will be organized by health authorities. Aftershocks can occur in the first few hours following an earthquake, a few days after, a few weeks after, or even months after the initial earthquake. Listen to receive emergency information and instructions from your battery-operated TV or radio, social media, or cell phone text alerts. Make a run for the exit door and avoid stopping by the kitchen for anything at all! If outdoors, stay away from buildings, trees and power lines. Water pipes and gas and electrical lines are all susceptible to damage during an earthquake. Better to stay put until the shaking stops. Before an Earthquake … It is important to find out what health centers and hospitals are functioning. CDC twenty four seven. But hold off. Turn on your battery-operated TV or radio to receive emergency information and instructions. Watch out for falling objects, glass windows, shelves, cabinets, and other heavy objects that may cause injury. Carefully check your home’s walls, floors, doors, windows, and staircases for damage. Better to tap on a pipe or wall - or blow a whistle, if one happens to be handy. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe after an earthquake by following the recommendations below. If you smell or hear gas (often identified by a hissing noise), then open windows and leave the house or building as soon as possible. Earthquakes can damage buildings and make them unsafe. Stop your car, and stay inside - making sure not to stop under a tree, overpass, or utility wires - or near a building. !function(a){var e="https://s.go-mpulse.net/boomerang/",t="addEventListener";if("False"=="True")a.BOOMR_config=a.BOOMR_config||{},a.BOOMR_config.PageParams=a.BOOMR_config.PageParams||{},a.BOOMR_config.PageParams.pci=!0,e="https://s2.go-mpulse.net/boomerang/";if(window.BOOMR_API_key="Z5DRH-SSKMH-6DEVX-25BM9-PKGNP",function(){function n(e){a.BOOMR_onload=e&&e.timeStamp||(new Date).getTime()}if(!a.BOOMR||!a.BOOMR.version&&!a.BOOMR.snippetExecuted){a.BOOMR=a.BOOMR||{},a.BOOMR.snippetExecuted=!0;var i,_,o,r=document.createElement("iframe");if(a[t])a[t]("load",n,!1);else if(a.attachEvent)a.attachEvent("onload",n);r.src="javascript:void(0)",r.title="",r.role="presentation",(r.frameElement||r).style.cssText="width:0;height:0;border:0;display:none;",o=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0],o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o);try{_=r.contentWindow.document}catch(O){i=document.domain,r.src="javascript:var d=document.open();d.domain='"+i+"';void(0);",_=r.contentWindow.document}_.open()._l=function(){var a=this.createElement("script");if(i)this.domain=i;a.id="boomr-if-as",a.src=e+"Z5DRH-SSKMH-6DEVX-25BM9-PKGNP",BOOMR_lstart=(new Date).getTime(),this.body.appendChild(a)},_.write("'),_.close()}}(),"".length>0)if(a&&"performance"in a&&a.performance&&"function"==typeof a.performance.setResourceTimingBufferSize)a.performance.setResourceTimingBufferSize();!function(){if(BOOMR=a.BOOMR||{},BOOMR.plugins=BOOMR.plugins||{},!BOOMR.plugins.AK){var e=""=="true"?1:0,t="",n="tiak32dilskzyx7y6bhq-f-80118063d-clientnsv4-s.akamaihd.net",i={"ak.v":"29","ak.cp":"25642","ak.ai":parseInt("272761",10),"ak.ol":"0","ak.cr":7,"ak.ipv":4,"ak.proto":"http/1.0","ak.rid":"97a537f","ak.r":28114,"ak.a2":e,"ak.m":"","ak.n":"essl","ak.bpcip":"154.0.173.0","ak.cport":47582,"ak.gh":"23.54.159.166","ak.quicv":"","ak.tlsv":"tls1.2","ak.0rtt":"","ak.csrc":"-","ak.acc":"reno","ak.t":"1610149967","ak.ak":"hOBiQwZUYzCg5VSAfCLimQ==B1znr7v7CT1xbuJeBqNONdD58sxz+Eg9uacObufJsRqjSxL+Y+ZfbJQyZJsht/XW5+7g3cWTxmLYAr5CeoF7k+516Nnd+M7OYzQagaJyjgt1+9Qpp91QfhMoLcWREYZgtQXBvhDDhJXcnbkSWS8ReexshyCFwk9aD2P/ghUQp2DAKUWVIo/jDepAXN0I0p8DmSllF9+WX4os6x97SL+w7CwMfeToE/38GRsRJGiOuGRL9RuwPs5dgb6eigKc1UmIMVwhyO0Y/ZG+q6xaRpp6zqAfLCzu4M4QMr6Pl/NqfrsSARU/5TeU1gYrs2BClXlq4wFMze7pImeHlRxFkszC9NfH77LNzatMJQFSEC0hHQrdyPvIKCh+U92eDjopUZaMlbWHTataIL7pTyMxQGQ4OBFGYRW8QqjtLnt8bhXprls=","ak.pv":"106","ak.dpoabenc":""};if(""!==t)i["ak.ruds"]=t;var _={i:!1,av:function(e){var t="http.initiator";if(e&&(!e[t]||"spa_hard"===e[t]))i["ak.feo"]=void 0!==a.aFeoApplied?1:0,BOOMR.addVar(i)},rv:function(){var a=["ak.bpcip","ak.cport","ak.cr","ak.csrc","ak.gh","ak.ipv","ak.m","ak.n","ak.ol","ak.proto","ak.quicv","ak.tlsv","ak.0rtt","ak.r","ak.acc","ak.t"];BOOMR.removeVar(a)}};BOOMR.plugins.AK={akVars:i,akDNSPreFetchDomain:n,init:function(){if(!_.i){var a=BOOMR.subscribe;a("before_beacon",_.av,null,null),a("onbeacon",_.rv,null,null),_.i=!0}return this},is_complete:function(){return!0}}}}()}(window); Know how the COVID-19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe. Seek Out Power Lines. The water could still shut off and you'll want to have a supply in case you're without running water for an extended period of time. Stay away from elevators, as there‘’s the possibility of getting stuck in … Gas leaks often cause fires to break out after an earthquake. Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Check yourself for injuries. When in doubt, throw it out. If you do nothing else: If away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so. After an earthquake, you may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks. Read the National Fire Protection Association’s. Choose earthquake-safe locations in every room of your house, office, school, or any place that you go to on a regular basis. Maybe you could use a smoke. Ensure you do the following if you are trapped under debris during or after an earthquake: Do not light a match. Being under a heavy desk or doorway can be a great way to protect yourself from falling debris. Earthquakes can be deadly - especially to those who don't know how to behave when the shaking starts. In the aftermath of an earthquake, buildings may be damaged, people could be hurt and community infrastructure and services could be affected. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, and make sure your family knows how to use it. If you feel an aftershock, DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON. Outside isn't safer than inside, if you stand next to power lines, streetlights, buildings, etc.  You can’t smell or see carbon monoxide, but if it builds up in your home, it can cause sudden illness and death. Trapped in debris? Never use portable gasoline or coal-burning equipment or camp stoves inside your home, basement, or garage. You are … Protect your mouth, nose, and eyes from dust. What to do after an earthquake; What to do before an earthquake - be prepared! A child may be afraid of recurrence, injury, or death after an earthquake. Stay away from wild or stray animals after an earthquake. After an earthquake, make sure that all injuries are thoroughly evaluated by health workers. Think yelling is the best way to attract rescuers' attention if you're trapped inside a building? Fuel-burning equipment creates carbon monoxide (CO). Staying Safe After an Earthquake. After an earthquake, the disaster may continue. If you hear an official tsunami warning or notice signs of a tsunami, evacuate immediately. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0 Initial mild shaking may strengthen and become extremely strong within seconds. Use a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector any time you use a generator or anything else that burns fuel. An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the breaking and shifting of subterranean rock. This must be your response during the shaking: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Stay away from windows or brick masonry (like fireplaces), bookcases, china cabinets and mirrors. If there's a gas leak, lighting a match could cause an explosion. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Fear is a normal reaction to danger. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. These can happen minutes, days, weeks, or even months after an earthquake. Copyright © 2021 CBS Interactive Inc.All rights reserved. Administer any first aid that you are qualified to administer. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. Shout only as a last resort. Clearly label the on-off positions for the water, electricity and gas. Do not enter a damaged building. [18] X Research source Thanks! If your home is equipped with … Keep an eye out for broken water pipes, downed and live electrical lines and leaking gas lines. 1. Get first aid quickly to help heal small wounds and prevent infection. During and after an earthquake, it is natural to experience different and strong emotions. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe after an earthquake by following the recommendations below. If you see structural damage, like cracks in the foundation or missing support beams, you may need to relocate to a shelter or another safe location. What's going on outside? From this came our belief that a doorway is the safest place to be during an earthquake. If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops. If you must use candles, keep them away from anything that can catch fire. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Keep it outside and at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent. What to Do After an Earthquake Easy Ways to Prepare for an Earthquake With a little bit of preparation, you can avoid some of the biggest problems associated with earthquakes, and get back on your feet more quickly after a major event. But there are many important things we can do before, during, and after an earthquake to protect ourselves, our homes, and our families. If you are able, help others. Check for injuries among your family members and neighbors. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Call the electric company to report them. If you are downtown, it is safer to remain inside a building after an earthquake unless there is a fire or gas leak. After the shaking has stopped, you can get up off of the floor and begin to assess the damage. Hold on, and protect your head with a pillow. DO NOT stand in a doorway: An enduring earthquake image of California is a collapsed adobe home with the door frame as the only standing part. What should I NOT do during an earthquake? Children's Needs. If you smell gas or see a broken line, shut off the main valve from the outside. STAY CALM and ALERT. Car or solar chargers for cell phones You might not have electricity for a while after a quake, but you’ll certainly want to contact loved ones. Make sure all controls on stoves, ovens, and microwaves are set to OFF before seeking cover. Be on the lookout for small fires and extinguish them, if … Bottled, boiled, or treated water is safe for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. Or maybe power lines are down, street lights stopped working and your street is full of debris. But being on top? Additional earthquakes, called aftershocks, may occur for hours, days, or … Follow instructions from local authorities — they may direct you to a different route than you had planned. Send a text, bang on a wall or a pipe, or use a whistle to help rescuers find you. Dust masks for contaminated areas Walking through a post-earthquake environment can create multiple hazards, including dirty air. Inside Precaution. 8 kinds of stuff which we should do after an earthquake. 3. Health and Safety Concerns for All Disasters, American Red Cross Earthquake Safetyexternal icon, FEMA’s Earthquake Safety Checklist pdf icon[PDF – 3.5 MB]external icon, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regardless, remember that earthquake early warnings give you limited time and do not predict earthquakes. Soon after an earthquake, the National Weather Service typically posts online whether or not a tsunami is expected. During an earthquake it's a big mistake to stand next to a window, under a big mirror or a heavy lighting fixture, or next to a wall. Provide First Aid. If you have a CO detector and it starts beeping, leave your home right away and call 911. Sparks from electrical switches could ignite gas, causing an explosion. Turn off cooking appliances if it is safe to do so before taking cover. Throw away perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; also discard foods with an unusual odor, color, or texture. Strange noises could mean the building is about to fall. DO NOT run outside or to other rooms during an earthquake. Health services may also have suffered structural damage and are not always able see patients. Learn more on how to protect yourself from. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings. Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals. Try to attract attention to yourself. What To Do After an Earthquake. What To Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake Recent earthquakes remind us that we live on a restless planet. If you can, help others in need. Often people tend to others without checking their own injuries. Stay away from shelves because objects may fall on you. What to do AFTER an Earthquake. After an earthquake, it's essential to be wary of a natural gas leak. Do not use contaminated water to make baby formula, make ice, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, or wash dishes. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you). Saving Lives, Protecting People, Natural Disasters, Severe Weather, and COVID-19, American Red Cross – Checking Your Home: Structural Elements, Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After an Emergency, protect yourself from animals or pests after a disaster, keep food and water safe after a disaster, take care of your emotional health after a disaster, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response (OPHPR), Natural Disasters and COVID-19: Preparedness Information for Specific Groups, COVID-19 Resources for Professionals & Emergency Workers, Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Generic Plans for COVID-19 Specimen Testing and Management During a Hurricane, Protecting Vulnerable Groups from Extreme Heat, Information for Professionals and Response Workers, Information for Organized Sporting Events, Epidemiologic Methods for Relief Operations, How to Help Loved Ones in Hurricane-Affected Areas, Resources for Emergency Health Professionals, Fact Sheet: Protection from Animal and Insect Hazards, Clinical Guidance for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, CO Poisoning: Flyers and Educational Materials, Checklist for Reopening Healthcare Facilities, Prevent Illness and Injury After a Disaster, Immunization Recommendations for Individuals, Immunization Recommendations for Responders, Preventing Chain Saw Injuries During Tree Removal After a Disaster, Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event, Coping After a Natural Disaster: Resources for Teens, Finding a New Normal: Life After a Natural Disaster, Healthy Ways to Deal with Stress after a Natural Disaster, Helping Teens Cope After a Natural Disaster, Resources for State and Local Governments, Emergency Responders: Tips for taking care of yourself, Infection Control Guidance for Community Evacuation Centers, Respiratory Infections in Evacuation Centers, Medical Management and Patient Advisement, Human Trafficking in the Wake of a Disaster, Guidelines for a Diapering Station in Evacuation Centers, Interim Guidelines for Animal Health and Control of Disease Transmission in Pet Shelters, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Don’t use elevators (lifts). Do not light matches or turn on light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks or flammable liquids spilled. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that follow a larger earthquake. If you're in bed when the shaking starts, stay there, say experts. Save phone calls for emergencies – text messages may be more reliable. Now that we got lucky, let’s take some time to see what to do in an earthquake and also what you should do after the shaking stops. Use Radio, Don’t Use Cell Phone. True- if you live in an old, unreinforced adobe house or … Stay off bridges. Best to leave that to your imagination. Damaged buildings, damaged power lines, and leaking gas and water lines are just a few of the hazards you might face after an earthquake. Street is full of debris of a natural gas leak, lighting a match keep outside! Cause an explosion for anything at all check utilities and do not move so you. 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