Sunday, 17 January 2016

What to do after the shaking stops?



If you feel an earthquake, protect yourself. Drop to the 
ground, take Cover under a table or desk, and Hold On! 
Once the shaking has stopped, assess the impact of the 
earthquake and consider the following questions before 
determining your next course of action. 
No matter where you are: 
• Wait for the shaking to stop and count to 60 to allow 
objects that may have shifted during the shaking to settle, 
cautiously come out of your safe DROP, COVER, HOLD 
ON location. 
• When the shaking stops, it is important to stay calm and 
move cautiously, checking for unstable objects and other 
hazards above and around you. 
• Check yourself and others for injuries and render first aid 
as needed. Note: Seriously injured people should not be 
moved unless doing so is the only way to avoid imminent 
danger of further injury. 
• Monitor emergency media for damage and public safety 
information. 
• Decide if it is safe to stay in your location or evacuate by 
checking for obvious structural damage and any resulting 
hazards such as: 
• Fires 
• Gas leaks 
• Exposed/arcing electrical components/wires 
• Leaking sewage 
• Broken water pipes 
• Dangling fixtures/furnishings 
• Leave switches and valves as found unless a hazard
exists. NEVER open a gas valve after a temporary 
shutoff. When it is safe to reactivate the gas supply, only 
a trained, fully qualified person should do so. 
• Ensure telephones are not used for any calls, except for 
emergencies requiring immediate assistance. Replace all 
telephone receivers which have been dislodged. 
• Conserve water, electricity and fuel as much as possible. 
• Treat all downed electrical wires as live, unless confirmed 
by a representative of the electrical utility.

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