An earthquake disrupts so many things—family members might be injured, buildings damaged, utilities down, community services unavailable. There may be ongoing aftershocks on the earth's surface. How do you handle all of these after an earthquake hits?
Experts suggest to make sure you and the people around you are taken care of and safe. Then, the assessment of damages starts in order to secure your surroundings, and finally, begin clean up.
Read these helpful tips to learn what to do after an earthquake to stay safe.
If you live in an area with potential earthquake activity, be prepared before an earthquake occurs with a family emergency plan.
Have a predetermined meeting place for your family so you can check in with each other after an earthquake. Make sure it's a safe location away from power lines.
Have basic tools in your home. You should have supplies readied before an earthquake emergency. Keep a flashlight with extra batteries and shoes next to your bed, plus have a fire extinguisher in your home.
Have a good aid kit in your home and car. Keep community emergency contacts in your phone and written down in your first aid kit.
Have food like canned vegetables, oatmeal, or any dried foods.
According to a study in the scientific journal Disasters, about 55% of injuries from an earthquake are caused by nonstructural objects such as pictures, lights, and falling objects. Secure heavy items and movable objects such as pictures, light fixtures, mirrors, bookcases, televisions, water heaters, heavy furniture, and appliances to the wall with anchors or metal straps.
Store heavy items on low shelves so they don't fall on your head during earthquakes.
Check utilities to know how to shut them off.
Individuals and workplaces are encouraged to participate in annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills. This program is sponsored by government agencies The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the USGS to promote earthquake preparedness.
“It’s important that people know what to do when the ground starts to shake,” explains Brian Blake, associate director of the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium. “You want to stay where you are. If you’re outside, you never want to go inside a structure when it’s shaking. If you drop, cover, and hold on when you’re outside, you’re still less likely to be injured.”
The Great ShakeOut is held the third Thursday of October, although businesses can choose another date for their drill. You can find emergency information, videos, and tips at shakeout.org.
Immediately after a major earthquake, when the shaking stops, assess your surroundings. Stay calm, and verbally and visually connect with those around you. Determine if anyone has sustained any cuts from broken glass or is trapped in an unsafe area. Remove anyone injured and provide first aid.
For a medical emergency, call 911 if there are wounds you are not able to treat. If a serious injury occur during a quake, you'll need emergency response.
For information on preparing for a tornado, read our blog "Tornado Preparedness Checklist | How to Prepare for a Tornado"
If you are in a damaged building, leave immediately when things have stopped shaking and move to an open area, preferably higher ground. Do not enter any damaged buildings. If a fire has started, use an extinguisher to put it out. However, only attempt to extinguish small fires. If the fire is near broken gas lines, evacuate the area and call emergency responders.
If you smell any burning or see sparks from any part of your home, turn the electricity off at the main breaker box, and call for assistance.
There could be a possible gas leak. If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, open a window. Evacuate everyone from the building immediately and do not flip any light switches, use a telephone, or turn on any appliance. Turn off the gas line into the home by turning the main gas valve on your gas meter. If you smell gas, report gas leaks to the fire department.
Many injured people report getting hurt from electric and power lines. Avoid them at all cost. Getting hit by one could result in death.
Prepare for aftershocks that can do further damage immediately after an earthquake. They're inevitable after a large magnitude quake. An aftershock is smaller than the mainshock, but can still cause damage or injury. Aftershocks can occur days or months after an earthquake. Handle an aftershock the same way you do the mainshock—once the ground starts shaking, take cover and wait until you know it's stopped. If you have no choice but to stay inside, take cover under a sturdy table. Most injuries occur from things falling on the head. Get to a safe outdoor place as soon as possible.
The shaking from an earthquake can damage the structural integrity of a building. Most people aren't able to fully assess the stability and safety of a building damaged by an earthquake. If you see any signs of structural damage, including cracks in the building or the surrounding areas, tilted, shifted or separated walls or doors, cracks in window glass, or damage to the ceilings in the building, assume there is structural damage. The Central United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC) recommends evacuating any building showing signs of damage. Don't return until an assessment by a qualified structural expert is completed.
If water or sewer lines have been affected by the earthquake, don't drink tap water. Secure a clean water source. Listen to community media reports for area water distribution efforts. If you suspect water or sewer line damage, shut off the main water line into your home so contaminated water doesn't enter. If you can access your freezer, use melted ice cubes as a water source or the water from your water heater.
Be safe during clean up by using work gloves, long sleeve shirts and long pants, wear sturdy shoes, a ventilation mask, and eye protection. As you go through any damaged area, the American Red Cross advises you watch for items that may be unsteady, especially in closets and cabinets. Open them carefully to avoid injury.
Earthquake damage can be a lot to clean up. Depending on the damage of your property, you may have a lot of debris to clear. One essential for clean-up is a roll off dumpster. These can be rented in a variety of sizes to accommodate your needs. Even if you have a small amount of waste, having a rental dumpster on site makes your clean up much easier, especially if your normal trash collection service is delayed. Having a dumpster is a way to work safer; you can contain any hazardous items like broken glass and sharp metal and keep your property free from dangerous piles of clutter. Make sure you have the streets clear so emergency vehicles can get through.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer tips for post-earthquake cleanup. Take it slow with sufficient breaks for rest and hydration. If you are working in warm weather, be sure to take breaks in an air-conditioned or shady space.
It is best to do clean-up with a partner. You should not be alone when working with hazardous debris. This is especially important if there are ongoing aftershocks. Stay out of damaged buildings. Evacuate if you encounter the smell of gas or come across live downed electric lines. Request assistance from the fire department or utility company if there are any issues with electrical lines, gas leaks, chemical spills, or structural damage.
Don’t be surprised if your clean-up takes longer than you expect. Los Altos, California, emergency preparedness coordinator Ann Hepenstal dealt with clean-up after a major earthquake. She says,
“You think you just clean up and you do a few repairs and you’re fine, but they had structural damage, and they would go through the process of the permitting and the design and the contractors’ work. It took a couple of years to rebuild everything, so individual resilience is very important.”
Remember, stay calm. Panic can make situations worse. Slow down, calmly assess the situation, and act quickly with intent for the best outcome. Recovery may take months. Stay in contact with community earthquake response officials, your family, friends, and neighbors, and the local, state, and federal relief services available. With good preparation and an informed response to earthquakes, you can have the best outcome possible for you, your family, and your workplace.
Stay safe!
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