The Checklist - During & After

By using a checklist of important steps to take during, and after an earthquake, your odds of surviving uninjured are overwhelming. Print out a copy of the checklist and keep it handy. You can also print out a checklist of earthquake supplies so you'll know what to have on hand at your home, in your care and at the office.

Indoors (home or office):

• Go to interior doorway or seek cover under sturdy objects.
• Stay away from windows.
• Do not take elevators.
• Watch for falling debris.
• In an office, do not panic and run into stairwells.
• Keep calm!

Outdoors:

• Stay away from buildings, power lines, trees and overpasses.
• Watch for falling debris (including rocks or bridges).
• If in a car, pull over to a safe area and stay in your car.
• Keep calm!

After the shaking stops:

• Wear shoes.
• Check and attend to injuries.
• Check power line damage (gas, electric, water, sewage).
• Check for damage and potential hazards in the event of aftershocks.
• Clean up hazardous spills.
• Turn on portable radio for public safety information.
• Disinfect water (bleach or boiling). Extra water can be found in toilet tanks (not the bowls), water heaters, ice cubes, canned fruits and vegetables.
• Check food.
• Open cupboards carefully. Watch for falling objects.
• Schedule meals before foods spoil.
• Check for broken glass.
• Do not go sightseeing.
• Do not use telephone except in life/death emergencies.
• Prepare for aftershocks.