Protecting Yourself After an Earthquake
ALOR DIVE will offer you some
first information of what to do after an earthquake.
Be prepared for additional earth movements called "aftershocks." Although most of these are smaller than the main earthquake, some may be large enough to cause additional damage or bring down weakened structures.
Because other aftereffects can include fires, chemical spills, landslides, dam breaks, and tidal waves,
be sure to monitor your battery-operated radio or TV for additional emergency information.
Injuries
Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move injured or unconscious people unless they are in immediate danger from live electrical wires, flooding, or other hazards. Internal injuries may not be evident, but may be serious or life-threatening. If someone has stopped breathing, call for medical or first aid assistance immediately and begin CPR if you are trained to do so. Stop a bleeding injury by applying direct pressure to the wound.
If you are trapped, try to attract attention to your location.
Checking Utilities
An earthquake may break gas, electrical, and water lines.
If you smell gas:
If water pipes are damaged, shut off the supply at the main valve.
Other Precautions
If you must evacuate your room:
Be prepared for additional earth movements called "aftershocks." Although most of these are smaller than the main earthquake, some may be large enough to cause additional damage or bring down weakened structures.
Because other aftereffects can include fires, chemical spills, landslides, dam breaks, and tidal waves,
be sure to monitor your battery-operated radio or TV for additional emergency information.
Injuries
Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move injured or unconscious people unless they are in immediate danger from live electrical wires, flooding, or other hazards. Internal injuries may not be evident, but may be serious or life-threatening. If someone has stopped breathing, call for medical or first aid assistance immediately and begin CPR if you are trained to do so. Stop a bleeding injury by applying direct pressure to the wound.
If you are trapped, try to attract attention to your location.
Checking Utilities
An earthquake may break gas, electrical, and water lines.
If you smell gas:
- open windows;
- shut off the main gas valve if possible;
- do not turn any electrical appliances or lights on or off;
- go outside;
- report the leak to authorities; and
- do not reenter the building until a utility official says it is safe to do so.
If water pipes are damaged, shut off the supply at the main valve.
Other Precautions
- Have chimneys inspected for cracks and damage. Do not use the fireplace if the chimney has any damage.
- Check to see if sewage lines are intact before using bathrooms or plumbing.
- Do not touch downed powerlines or objects in contact with downed
lines.
Report electrical hazards to the authorities. - Immediately clean up spilled medicines, drugs, flammable liquids, and other potentially hazardous materials.
- Stay off all telephones except to report an emergency. Replace telephone receivers that may have been knocked off by the earthquake.
- Stay away from damaged areas. Your presence could hamper relief efforts, and you could endanger yourself.
- Cooperate fully with public safety officials. Respond to requests for volunteer assistance from police, fire fighters, emergency management officials, and relief organizations, but do not go into damaged areas unless assistance has been requested.
If you must evacuate your room:
- Post a message, indicating where you have gone.
- Take vital documents (wills, insurance policies, etc.), emergency supplies, and extra medications with you.
- Confine pets to the safest location possible and make sure they have plenty of food and water. Pets will not be allowed in designated public shelters.
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