If you are able, help others. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe after an earthquake by following the recommendations below. This can include equipment like generators, pressure washers, charcoal grills, and camp stoves. Gas leaks often cause fires to break out after an earthquake. Seek Out Power Lines. Carefully check your home’s walls, floors, doors, windows, and staircases for damage. True- if you live in an old, unreinforced adobe house or … If the tap water in your home is working after an earthquake hits, fill up your bathtub and any other containers you can find. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. 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 … After an earthquake, make sure that all injuries are thoroughly evaluated by health workers. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Think again. STAY CALM and ALERT. Provide First Aid. Damaged buildings, damaged power lines, and leaking gas and water lines are just a few of the hazards you might face after an earthquake. Seek Out Power Lines. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. But being on top? These appliances can potentially start a fire if left unattended. Keep an eye out for broken water pipes, downed and live electrical lines and leaking gas lines. If you are downtown, it is safer to remain inside a building after an earthquake unless there is a fire or gas leak. Save phone calls for emergencies – text messages may be more reliable. DO NOT run outside or to other rooms during an earthquake. Often people tend to others without checking their own injuries. Sparks from electrical switches could ignite gas, causing an explosion. If you are inside, stay inside. Visit Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After an Emergency for more information. Think yelling is the best way to attract rescuers' attention if you're trapped inside a building? 3. 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. Live Updates: House Democrats to introduce impeachment, Some people lose jobs after photos show them at Capitol riots, Man shown with feet on Nancy Pelosi's desk arrested, West Virginia lawmaker faces federal charges in Capitol siege, Biden preparing to accelerate distribution of COVID-19 vaccine, Los Angeles Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda dies, New York to start scheduling next phase of COVID vaccinations, Trump is first president in 152 years to skip successor's inauguration, California Privacy/Information We Collect. Listen to reports from local officials for advice on water precautions in your home. If you can, help others in need. A child may be afraid of recurrence, injury, or death after an earthquake. What to do after an earthquake; What to do before an earthquake - be prepared! Earthquakes can damage buildings and make them unsafe. Make sure all controls on stoves, ovens, and microwaves are set to OFF before seeking cover. Send a text, bang on a wall or a pipe, or use a whistle to help rescuers find you. If you hear an official tsunami warning or notice signs of a tsunami, evacuate immediately. What To Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake Recent earthquakes remind us that we live on a restless planet. 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. From this came our belief that a doorway is the safest place to be during an earthquake. If you need to get out of the building, take the stairs. Outside isn't safer than inside, if you stand next to power lines, streetlights, buildings, etc. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Temporary health care services will be organized by health authorities. Follow instructions from local authorities — they may direct you to a different route than you had planned. [18] X Research source Thanks! Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Do not use match-stick, candles, or any flame during or after An ... 2. Stay away from windows or brick masonry (like fireplaces), bookcases, china cabinets and mirrors. Turn on your battery-operated TV or radio to receive emergency information and instructions. Do not use contaminated water to make baby formula, make ice, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, or wash dishes. Check yourself for injuries and get first aid, if necessary, before helping injured or trapped persons. Broken gas lines and fire don't mix. Staying Safe After an Earthquake. If you smell gas or see a broken line, shut off the main valve from the outside. Wait until local authorities tell you it is safe to go inside. Trapped in debris? What should I do after the earthquake stops? Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings. Do not enter a damaged building. Don't light matches or use a lighter that could cause gas in the air to explode. !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. Call 911 or your public health department to report them. Use a flashlight to check utilities and do not shut them off … 4. 8 kinds of stuff which we should do after an earthquake. 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. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings rush to move to another location inside the building or outside. 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. IF OUTSIDE, you need to move to an open area. Connect with family, friends, and others in your community. After an Earthquake. If outdoors, stay away from buildings, trees and power lines. Or maybe power lines are down, street lights stopped working and your street is full of debris. Being under a heavy desk or doorway can be a great way to protect yourself from falling debris. Bottled, boiled, or treated water is safe for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. After an earthquake, it's essential to be wary of a natural gas leak. 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. If your bed is under a heavy light fixture that might fall, move someplace safe. Choose earthquake-safe locations in every room of your house, office, school, or any place that you go to on a regular basis. What's going on outside? Stop your car, and stay inside - making sure not to stop under a tree, overpass, or utility wires - or near a building. Do not leave any heavy items on shelves, because they will fall off the shelves during an earthquake. Better to stay put until the shaking stops. 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. Do not move around or kick up dust. Inside Precaution. Fuel-burning equipment creates carbon monoxide (CO). If your home is equipped with … Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust. After an earthquake, you may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks. Additional earthquakes, called aftershocks, may occur for hours, days, or … If driving, move away from overpasses, stop slowly in a safe area, and stay in your vehicle. Use a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector any time you use a generator or anything else that burns fuel. Leave your home or building if you hear shifting or unusual noises. Protect your mouth, nose, and eyes from dust. What should I NOT do during an earthquake? If there's a gas leak, lighting a match could cause an explosion. You can stay in the safer part of the room. But hold off. If you're in bed when the shaking starts, stay there, say experts. 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. 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. Call the electric company to report them. The risk for injury during and after an earthquake is high. Avoid windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances and cabinets filled with heavy objects. Stay off bridges. If the quake KO's the power in your area, you might get trapped inside the building. Before an Earthquake … Check for injuries among your family members and neighbors. This must be your response during the shaking: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. You can’t smell or see carbon monoxide, but if it builds up in your home, it can cause sudden illness and death. For example, it’s a good idea to keep a flashlight and a pair of shoes next to your bed. It is important to find out what health centers and hospitals are functioning. Outside isn't safer than inside, if you stand next to power lines, streetlights, … The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Hold on, and protect your head with a pillow. Learn more on how to protect yourself from. 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. Anything that could fall over during an earthquake and land on a person is a hazard. Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. You will be better able to care for others if you are not injured or if you have received first aid for your injuries. Read the National Fire Protection Association’s. Shout only as a last resort. In the aftermath of an earthquake, buildings may be damaged, people could be hurt and community infrastructure and services could be affected. Always stay near lit candles. Get first aid quickly to help heal small wounds and prevent infection. Check to make sure you are not hurt. 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. After an earthquake, aftershocks are expected. 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. If you are trapped, try to attract attention to your location. You … If you must use candles, keep them away from anything that can catch fire. 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. 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. 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. What to Do After an Earthquake. Your state, tribal, local, or territorial health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area. Water pipes and gas and electrical lines are all susceptible to damage during an earthquake. Throw away perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; also discard foods with an unusual odor, color, or texture. 2. 4. 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 … Outside isn't safer than inside, if you stand next to power lines, streetlights, … Soon after an earthquake, the National Weather Service typically posts online whether or not a tsunami is expected. Administer any first aid that you are qualified to administer. Ensure you do the following if you are trapped under debris during or after an earthquake: Do not light a match. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. These can happen minutes, days, weeks, or even months after an earthquake. Health services may also have suffered structural damage and are not always able see patients. After the shaking has stopped, you can get up off of the floor and begin to assess the damage. What To Do After an Earthquake. After an earthquake, you may experience aftershocks. CDC twenty four seven. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, and make sure your family knows how to use it. Watch out for fallen power lines that may be hanging overhead. (Note: if gas is turned off, a professional must restore service.). Be prepared for aftershock. Keep it outside and at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent. Essentials for your survival kit after an earthquake hits. Clearly label the on-off positions for the water, electricity and gas. Turn off cooking appliances if it is safe to do so before taking cover. 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. Dust masks for contaminated areas Walking through a post-earthquake environment can create multiple hazards, including dirty air. 1. Take care of yourself and each other and know when and how to seek help.  But there are many important things we can do before, during, and after an earthquake to protect ourselves, our homes, and our families. Children's Needs. Be on the lookout for small fires and extinguish them, if … Stay away from elevators, as there‘’s the possibility of getting stuck in … Try to stay calm and … Check yourself for injuries. If you live near the ocean. Unfortunately, most people aren't in an open meadow when earthquakes hit. Use a whistle if one is available. Never use portable gasoline or coal-burning equipment or camp stoves inside your home, basement, or garage. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe after an earthquake by following the recommendations below. Fear is a normal reaction to danger. 1. Not so smart. Do not use matches, lighters, appliances, or light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks. Try to attract attention to yourself. Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones during cleanup after an earthquake. Stay away from shelves because objects may fall on you. Copyright © 2021 CBS Interactive Inc.All rights reserved. Watch out for falling objects, glass windows, shelves, cabinets, and other heavy objects that may cause injury. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0 Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family, and your community recover from a disaster. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Strange noises could mean the building is about to fall. You are … Earthquakes can be deadly - especially to those who don't know how to behave when the shaking starts. Make a run for the exit door and avoid stopping by the kitchen for anything at all! Regardless, remember that earthquake early warnings give you limited time and do not predict earthquakes. During and after an earthquake, it is natural to experience different and strong emotions. Use Radio, Don’t Use Cell Phone. If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops. Better to tap on a pipe or wall - or blow a whistle, if one happens to be handy. Get to higher ground as far inland as possible. Check gas, electrical, and water lines for damage. Listen to receive emergency information and instructions from your battery-operated TV or radio, social media, or cell phone text alerts. Each time you feel an aftershock, practice duck, cover, and hold on techniques. After an earthquake, the disaster may continue. If you are trapped in debris, do not move so that you will not kick up any dust around you. If you feel an aftershock, DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON. Only exception? What to do AFTER an Earthquake. Maybe you could use a smoke. Stay away from wild or stray animals after an earthquake. An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the breaking and shifting of subterranean rock. Do not light matches or turn on light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks or flammable liquids spilled. Not helpful 0 Don ’ t use Cell phone text alerts save calls! Candles, or Cell phone text alerts those who do n't know how to seek.. Leak, lighting a match dirty air so before taking cover, a must... Home is equipped with … during an earthquake eyes from dust, windows. To attract attention to your bed is under a heavy light fixture that might fall, move someplace.. And know when and how to behave when the shaking: Drop,,! Idea to keep a fire or gas leak a generator or anything else that burns.. Public health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your community and... 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