What to Do Before, During and After an Earthquake

9/21/2017 (Permalink)

Preparation is a key component for making it through an unexpected disaster.

We all know that earthquakes are a common occurrence in California and other parts of the West Coast regions.  But earthquakes can happen at any time of the year and occur without warning.  After the initial earthquake, the aftershock may follow.  Most are smaller than the initial earthquake but larger magnitude aftershocks also occur.   Earthquakes may cause household items to become dangerous projectiles; cause buildings to move off foundations or collapse, damage utilities, roads and structures such as bridges and dams, or cause fires and explosions. They may also trigger landslides, avalanches, and tsunamis.

SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park wants to emphasize the importance of preparation before an earthquake strike.  By making an effort to be prepared and having a plan of action in place, you can lessen the impact a disaster might have on you, your home and your family.

Learn and follow these steps now to PREPARE before, during, and after an earthquake.

What to Do Before an Earthquake:

• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home.
• Secure items that could fall or move and cause injuries or damage such as; bookshelves, picture frames, mirrors, light fixtures, televisions, computers, hot water heaters, etc.
• Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.
• Make up a plan of where to meet your family after an earthquake.
• Don’t leave heavy objects on shelves as they can fall during an earthquake.
• Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.

What to Do During an Earthquake:

• Stay calm and stay put.
• If you’re indoors, DROP to the ground; take COVER by crawling under a sturdy table or stand in a doorway. If under a desk or heavy table, cover your head and neck with your arms and HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
• If there isn’t a desk or sturdy table nearby, crawl away from windows, next to an interior wall. Stay away from glass, windows
• If you’re outdoors, stay away from building, trees, power lines or anything that might fall.
• If you’re driving, move away from overpasses, stop slowly in a safe area and stay in your vehicle.
• Don’t use elevators (they’ll probably get stuck anyway). Don’t run out of the building during the shaking as objects may be falling off the building and cause serious injuries or death.

What to Do After an Earthquake:

• When the shaking stops, check yourself and others for injuries.
• If the building is damaged, safely evacuate, go to an open space away from damaged areas.
• Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut off the valves to avoid fire and hazardous leaks.
• Be careful of around broken glass and debris
• Inspect your chimneys for unnoticed damaged that could lead to fires.
• Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis and seiches sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.
• If you’re at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in charge.

If your home or business suffers from earthquake damage, call our professionals at SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park.  We can respond quickly and help make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

Any Questions - Call Us Today (707) 665-0822