What to Do in and Earthquake
During an earthquake, most people will be unprepared. They will panic; pick up the phone and call 911. Neither of these things helps you.
• DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON: Take cover under sturdy desks or tables, long enough for aftershocks.
• DO NOT use a cell phone or land phone. The lines will be down or overwhelmed. Stay where you are. DO NOT get on the roads. They must be kept open for first responders. DO NOT pick up your children at schools. They are better off there than they are at home. Be sure you know what your child’s school plans are during an emergency.
• Check your house, family and contain pets. Gather up emergency supplies for evacuation if necessary. Get proper clothing, long pants, leather gloves, radio, flashlights, medication and your “Bug out Bag” with your Vital Records Binder.
• Turn on your battery-operated radio to your AM emergency response stations.
• Check your house for gas leaks, water leaks, and broken electrical lines. Unplug electronics, and turn off and unplug major electrical items, or switch off power at the breaker panel. Always turn off gas if you smell gas and BEFORE you flip electrical switches at circuit breakers. (Make sure a wrench is available and you know how to use it.) Turn off your water valve if you suspect broken lines. This is essential to protect the water supplies in water heaters and toilet tanks, water which you can drink in an emergency. You cannot drink swimming pool or spa water. Check your neighbors’ homes if they’re gone and do the same.
• Put out your HELP/OK sign to signal for assistance or to let rescuers know they can pass on.
• Go to your neighborhood pre-designated assembly area, away from trees and power lines.
• Join your pre-designated team (per the Household Survey form you have filled out). Trained CERT people are specially trained to handle this phase of the disaster. If you have no CERT members, your EP Block Captain(s) will take charge. The ASSESSMENT TEAM checks all homes with no sign displayed, or with a HELP sign, identifies trapped or missing people, checks neighborhood utilities, fallen trees, etc., and then relays the information to the COMMUNICATIONS TEAM - your amateur radio operators. The SPECIAL NEEDS TEAM sets up a first aid/emergency medical station, checks all elderly/disabled and special needs residents, assists non-English speaking people, and takes care of small children. Keep track of everything - a log of all homes, assistance provided and hazardous situations.
• DO NOT drive lightly injured people to overwhelmed hospitals. Your EP Block Captain knows where nearby doctors, CERT members, and your nearest amateur radio operators are located and who can help you.
• If fires develop, turn off gas and electricity and fight small fires with fire extinguishers. If you live on narrow, winding roads and have to evacuate, be sure that all remaining vehicles are parked on the same side of the road so emergency equipment can get through. Take planned items with you. If you would like to print this information here is the link:
