Step 6: Improve Safety

EVACUATE if you are in a TSUNAMI HAZARD ZONE

For a large local earthquake, feeling ground shaking may be the only warning you will get that a tsunami is on its way. Use tsunami hazard maps and posted hazard zone signs to identify safe evacuation areas. Refer to page 15 for more information about tsunamis.

IF YOU ARE AT THE BEACH
Move to higher ground immediately–no matter how small the earthquake.

IF YOU ARE IN A TSUNAMI HAZARD ZONE AND THE EARTHQUAKE LASTS A LONG TIME
Immediately gather your family members, grab your tsunami disaster kit, and WALK to a safe area.

IF EVACUATION IS IMPOSSIBLE 
Go to the upper floor of a sturdy building or climb a tree. This should only be a last resort.

DO NOT WAIT FOR AN OFFICIAL WARNING

IF YOU ARE NOT IN A TSUNAMI HAZARD ZONE, STAY WHERE YOU ARE. YOU ARE NOT AT RISK OF A TSUNAMI. Unnecessary evacuation will put you at risk and hamper the evacuation of people who really need to get away from danger.

Once you are in a safe area, CHECK FOR INJURIES AND DAMAGE

First take care of your own situation—check yourself for injuries so you can help others. Remember your emergency plans. Aftershocks may cause additional damage, so get to a safe location and take your disaster supply kit with you. Once you are safe, help others and check for damage. Protect yourself by wearing sturdy shoes and work gloves, to avoid injury from broken glass and debris. Wear a dust mask and eye protection if you have them.

If you are trapped under debris, protect your mouth, nose and eyes from dust. If you are bleeding, put pressure on the wound and elevate the injured part. Signal for help with your emergency whistle, a cell phone, or tap on pipe or wall, three times every few minutes, so rescuers can locate you. Don’t shout—shouting will wear you out and can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Check for injuries

  • Use your first aid kit or the front pages of your telephone book for detailed instructions on first aid measures such as stopping bleeding, rescue breathing and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
  • Do not move seriously-injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injuries.
  • Cover injured persons with blankets or additional clothing to keep them warm.

Check for damage

FIRE If possible, put out small fires in your home or neighborhood immediately. Call for help, but don’t wait for the fire department.

GAS LEAKS
Shut off the main gas valve only if a leak is suspected or identified by the odor of natural gas. Wait for the utility company to turn it back on once the damage is repaired.

DAMAGED ELECTRICAL WIRING
Shut off power at the breaker box. Leave the power off until damage is repaired.

UNPLUG BROKEN LIGHTS AND APPLIANCES
They could cause fires when power is restored. 

DOWNED POWER LINES
Consider all downed lines as potentially hazardous and stay well away from them. Never touch downed lines or any objects in contact with them even if you think they may be dead.

FALLEN ITEMS
Beware of items tumbling off shelves when you open closet and cupboard doors. Wear gloves before handling broken items. Replace your telephone on its receiver. Telephones off the hook tie up the telephone network.

SPILLS
Clean up any spilled medicines, drugs or other nontoxic substances. Potentially harmful materials such as bleach, lye, paint, garden chemicals, and gasoline should be isolated or covered with an absorbent such as dirt or cat litter. When in doubt, leave your home.

DOWNED OR DAMAGED CHIMNEYS
Stay away from chimneys and walls made of brick. They may be weakened and could topple during an aftershock. Don’t use a fireplace until it is inspected by an expert – it could start a fire or let poisonous gasses into your home.