EARHTQUAKE: BEFORE, DURING & AFTER

EARTHQUAKE : What should we do BEFORE, DURING & AFTER

BEFORE: (when an earthquake forecast is confirmed by a reputable entity)
- make sure you have fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio,a flashlight and extra batteries.
- learn first aid
- learn how to turn off gas, water & electricity
- make up a plan of where to meet your family after an earthquake
- don't leave heavy objects on shelves (they'll fall during a quake)
- anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor
- learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.

DURING:
- STAY CALM! If you're indoors, stay inside. If youre outside, stay outside
- if you're indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away from windows and glass doors.
- if you're outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you)
- don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don't mix.
- If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.
- don't use elevators (they'll probably get stuck anyway)

AFTER:
- check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who needs it.
- check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut off the valves. Check for the smell of a gas. If you smell it, open all the windows and doors, leave immediately and report it to the authorities.
- turn on the radio. Don't use the phone unless it's an emergency.
- stay out of damaged buildings.
- be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or study shoes to keep from cutting your feet.
- be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you)
- stay away from beaches. Tsunamis and seiches sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.
- stay away from damaged areas
- If you're at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in-charge.
- expect aftershocks.