IN AN EMERGENCY: EARTHQUAKE
During an Earthquake
If Indoors:
- Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research
has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt
to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
- DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or
other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON on until the shaking stops. If
there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with
your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
- Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you
and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
- Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything
that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
- Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on
and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light
fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
- Be observant for falling plaster and ceiling tiles.
- Stay undercover until the shaking stops.
- If your cover moves, move with it.
- Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems
or fire alarms may turn on.
- DO NOT use the elevators.
If Outdoors:
- Stay there.
- Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
- Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest
danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior
walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake
occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling
debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is
seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related
casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
If in a moving vehicle
- Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid
stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
- Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges,
or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
After an Earthquake
- If save to do so evacuate.
- Stay out of buildings or structures that have not been inspected
for structural integrity.
- Be observant for fallen power lines and broken gas lines.
- Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent
than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage
to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks,
or even months after the quake.
- Listen to a battery-operated radio or television. Listen for the latest
emergency information.
- Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
- Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
- Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away unless your assistance has
been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations.
Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
- Help injured or trapped persons. Remember to help your neighbors
who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly, and
people with disabilities. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move
seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further
injury.
- Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable
liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other
chemicals.
- Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.
- Inspect utilities.
- 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.
If trapped under debris
- Do not light a match.
- Do not move about or kick up dust.
- Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
- Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if
one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you
to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
*Information provided by the Santa Clara Valley Water Disrict and others.