After an earthquake: what to check, and what not to do

When the shaking stops, check for injuries and damage, watch for aftershocks, and only shut off gas if you smell or hear a leak. If you are in a tsunami hazard zone, head inland or to high ground once you can move safely.

Injuries and getting out

1. Check yourself, then others

   Put on sturdy shoes, long sleeves, and work gloves before you walk through debris. Give first aid if you are trained. Call 9-1-1 for serious injuries, and know that help may be delayed. Do not move a seriously injured person unless they are in immediate danger.

2. Leave if the building is damaged

   If the house is leaning, the foundation is badly cracked, or it otherwise looks unsafe, get out and move away from the building. Do not re-enter damaged buildings. Use stairs, not elevators.

3. If you are trapped

   Cover your mouth and nose to keep dust out. Send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle. Shout only as a last resort, because shouting can make you inhale dust. Do not light a match.

Gas, water, and electrical damage

1. Gas

   If you smell gas, hear a leak, or suspect a broken gas pipe or appliance, get out, shut the gas off at the meter if you can do that safely, and call 9-1-1 and the utility from a safe place. Do not turn electrical switches on or off, and do not light matches or candles. Once the gas is off, leave it off for the utility.

2. Electrical

   If you see damaged wiring, sparking, or burning, and you can reach the main breaker safely, shut the power off. Do not touch or drive over downed power lines. Do not use electrical switches or appliances if you suspect a gas leak. If the panel or wiring looks unsafe, leave and let the utility or a licensed electrician handle it.

3. Water

   If you see a broken pipe or a serious leak, shut the water off at the main to limit flooding. Do not use the toilet until you know the sewer line is intact. Do not drink tap water until local officials say it is safe; use your stored water first.

Aftershocks

Aftershocks are normal. They can go on for days or longer, and some are strong enough to cause more damage or to finish off a weakened wall or chimney. Every time you feel one, Drop, Cover, and Hold On again. Move or secure items that could fall in the next aftershock.

Communication and cleanup

• Text your out-of-area contact and household members. Ready.gov notes that texts may be more reliable than calls and can save battery.
• Use social media to let people know you are okay, and listen to a battery radio, official alerts, or local news for instructions.
• Save phone calls for life-threatening emergencies.
• Open cabinets carefully. Clean up spilled medicines, bleach, and flammable liquids if you can do it safely.
• Wear protective clothing for cleanup. Do not try to move heavy debris by yourself. Children should not do disaster cleanup work.
• If you are on or near a hillside, watch for landslide movement after the shaking and during aftershocks.
• If you are in a tsunami hazard zone, or you are at the beach or in a harbor, go inland or to high ground when you can move safely. Do not wait for an official warning, and stay away from the coast until officials say it is safe.