Things to check or prepare before a earthquake:

Things to check after a quake -



1. Check family members/pets in house. If in house, call out and don't walk to them. Broken glass and items blocking your way will be all over the house floors.

2. If it is night. Find your flashlight and shoes first before walking around. Make sure you are not in danger before getting up. Items may have fallen in the house that could cause a threat. Example: If your house has a large aquarium, it might have now fallen over and flooded the house cuasing a shock danger.

3. If the quake was large, check for damage. Check for gas smell first and shut off main value if you smell gas. Check for things that are partially fallen and secure them. There will most likely be aftershocks that will complete the task of dislodging them.

4. Be very careful opening up cabinets and your refrigerator. Many items will be broken and loose and will fall out on you.

5. Unplug items that have fallen - TVs, stereos, microwaves, computers; etc.

6. Check for structure damage. Walls, door frames, cracks, chimneys, pool, windows, car, gas, water, electric, phone. If your windows are cracked, you might want to tape them with duct tape to keep glass from flying in a aftershock. If they are broken, knock out any loose glass.

7. After a large quake most cellphone and landline service will be out. Listen to a portable or car radio for information if TV and power are out.

8. If water is still on after a quake you might want to fill water bottles and tub for water. Most likely water mains will have broken and you will lose pressure fast.

9. Check for anything that has fallen outside. This includes power-lines and hazardous structures.

10. Check neighbors and see if they are ok. If they are not home turn off their gas. The number one threat after a quake are fires. Most water mains will be broken and no water will be available to fight fires. If a house near yours catches on fire, it will spread.

11. Keep freezer and refrig closed. Power will be off and items will last longer if you don't open the doors much.

12. Check your water heater and toilets. Don't use or flush them. If the water mains are broken you can use the water in the water heater and toilet reservoir tank until they get water trucked into your area and the mains get fixed. Pool and spa water can be used for washing water if you have access to them.

Fault Attributes Key