Table 5
What To Do After the Shaking Stops


taken from "Washington State Earthquake Hazards", by Linda Noson, Anthony Q amar, and Gerald Thorsen

Steps
Specific Actions
Concerns
Check for injuries
Administer emergency first aid
Move severely injured only if mandatory


Be prepared for aftershocks
Evacuate
Leave cautiously
Put on shoes


Avoid elevators


Choose exits carefully


Be prepared for aftershocks
Check for safety
Turn off utilities
Gas, water, electric lines may be broken

Use flashlight, not candles
Electric sparks or flame may ignite gas

Account for building occupants
May need to do search and rescue

Confine pets
Dog bites common after earthquake
Get information
Use portable or car radio
Are there nearby secondary hazards, like chemical spills, fire?


Avoid sightseeing, unnecessary travel, or spreading rumors
Care for and comfort others
Reassure children, ill, handicapped and elderly
Need physical and emotional care


Avoid leaving them alone


More physical and emotional trauma than other individuals
Make shelter
Use large plastic garbage bags
Existing structures may be unsafe

Use blankets
Prevent hypothermia


Locate food and water