Life with Aftershocks

Once the earthquake is over, then we will have to live with its aftermath -- the risk of fire, the potential lack of utilities and basic services, and the certainty of aftershocks.

Electrical, water, transportation, and other vital systems can be disrupted for several days after a large earthquake. Emergency response agencies and hospitals could be overwhelmed and may be unable to provide you with immediate assistance.

Be prepared to be on your own for 72 hours or more. Knowing first aid and having supplies will make life more comfortable and help you keep your sanity after the next earthquake.

What you will need

Maintain earthquake kits. Keep them where they can be reached even if your building is badly damaged. Take them with you if you evacuate. These should include:

1. Medications and medical consent forms for dependents
2. First aid kit and book
3. Emergency cash
4. Copies of vital documents such as insurance policies
5. Spare eyeglasses and shoes
6. Snack foods, high in water and sugar
7. Working flashlights, radio, and extra batteries
8. Lightsticks
9. Personal hygiene supplies (including toilet paper
10. Plastic bags for tarps, waste, rain ponchos, and other uses
11. Comfort items such as games, crayons, writing materials, outgrown teddy bears (children regress under stress)
12. Tools (a crescent wrench for example).

Maintain a 3- to 7- day supply of food and water:

1. Drinking water (minimum one gallon per person, per day) (water heaters can have 30 to 50 gallons)
2. Food that is nutritious, liked by family members and requires no refrigeration

Keep the following items readily available:

1. Charcoal or gas grill for outdoor cooking
2. Cooking utensils, including a manual can opener
3. Extra food for pets, pet restraints (in case the fence is down)
4. Sturdy shoes, work gloves, and comfortable clothing
5. Blankets
6. Camping equipment and sleeping bags

Store these supplies in easily accessible locations such as hallway closets. Change stored water every three months. Check and rotate food every six months. Rethink kit once a year

Follwing an Earthquake

1. Replace telephone receivers shaken off the hook and restrict telephone usage to emergencies
2. Listen to the radio for updates and information
3. Do not spread rumors
4. Volunteer to help in neighborhood and at shelters

Fire Prevention

Earthquakes cause fires. They break gas mains, causing fires, and break water mains, impeding the fighting of fires. Some tips for reducing the risk:

• Brace your water heater to prevent gas leaks. Be sure your gas appliances have flexible attachments.
• Keep a wrench near the gas main and train family members who may be home alone how to use it. Shut off gas only if you smell gas, hear a leak, or see a break (gas can be turned on only by trained personnel -- and there may be a delay).
• If you lose power, use flashlights instead of candles. The flame could cause an explosion if gas is leaking, or aftershocks could knock over the candle.
• If you have power and have a gas leak, do not use electrical switches.
• Keep a fire extinguisher braced securely to the wall. Know how to use it

See additional information on Avoid Earthquake Related Fires.