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AFTER:
Be prepared for aftershocks
Although
smaller than the main shock, aftershocks cause additional
damage & maybring weakened structures down.
Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or
even months after the quake.
Help
injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where
appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless
they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for
help.
Listen
to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest
emergency information.
Remember
to help your neighbors who may require special
assistance--infants, the elderly & people w/
disabilities.
Stay
out of damaged buildings. Return home only when
authorities say it is safe.
- use
the telephone only for emergency calls
- clean
up spilled medicines, bleaches or gasoline or other
flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you
smell gas or fumes from other chemicals
- open
closet & cupboard doors cautiously
- inspect
the entire length of chimneys carefully for damage.
Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire
Inspecting
Utilities in a Damaged Home
Check
for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or
hissing noise, open a window & quickly leave the
building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if
you can & call the gas company from a neighbor's
home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be
turned back on by a professional.
Look
for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken
or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off
the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or
circuit breaker, call an electrician first for
advice.
Check
for sewage & water lines damage--If you suspect
sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets &
call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the
water company & avoid using water from the tap. You
can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.
Mitigation
Mitigation
includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce
the chance of an emergency happening, or lessen the
damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies. Investing in
preventive mitigation steps now such as repairing deep
plaster cracks in ceilings & foundations, anchoring
overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling & following
local seismic building standards, will help reduce the
impact of earthquakes in the future. For more information
on mitigation, contact your local emergency management
office.
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