Earthquake

Earthquakes often occur without warning and can be extremely destructive. Earthquakes can range from gentle shakers to ones that cause nearly total destruction. Earthquakes can be especially devastating due to:

  • Falling debris and collapsed buildings
  • Damaged or severed water, gas, and sewer lines
  • Fires resulting for other infrastructure damage
  • Damaged or collapsed infrastructure, roads, and bridges
  • Tsunamis
  • Damaged communications lines & towers

After an earthquake inspect your area and shut off damaged utilities. Know how to shutoff your water/gas lines and electrical panel.

  • Have an evacuation route planned in case of tsunami.
  • Phone circuits will probably be overwhelmed so use short text messages as sparingly as possible.
  • Wear sturdy shoes and watch for glass and other hazards since buildings, roads, and power lines could be damaged.
  • Try to put out small fires that can quickly turn into very large fires.
  • Do NOT use any electrical equipment or do anything that could generate sparks if you smell gas (should smell like rotten eggs).
  • Check gas, water, and electrical lines for damage and shut off damaged lines.
  • Inspect the building and consider evacuating if there is structural damage.
  • Do not use your fireplace until you are certain that the appliance, gas lines, and chimney are safe.
  • Roads may be clogged and/or damaged — only use your vehicle if it is an emergency.
  • Expect aftershocks. Normally aftershocks are smaller in magnitude than the original earthquake but this is not always the case. If buildings or infrastructure was weakened by a previous earthquake then even a smaller aftershock could do considerable damage.
  • Walk at a distance from the sides of buildings, especially brick buildings. Watch for falling debris.

Additional Information