What to do AFTER an Emergency

1. Prepare for aftershocks (if earthquake related).

2. Check for injuries and administer first aid. Do not try to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.

3. Turn on a radio or television to get the latest official information from local authorities and the locations of emergency shelters and Red Cross stations.

4. If you need food, shelter, medical aid, or clothes, go to the nearest Red Cross station.

5. Check your utilities for damages.

  • a. If you smell gas, turn it off at the main valve. Open all windows and doors until the smell is gone. Immediately extinguish all flames or fires and leave the building.
  • b. If you see or suspect that the electricity is shorting out or damaged, turn it off at the main switch or circuit breaker. Do not touch downed power-lines or broken appliances until the power to them has been turned off.
  • c. If water pipes are broken, turn the water off at the main valve (preferably at the street).
  • d. Before using the toilets, check sewage lines to ensure they are intact.
  • 6. Begin cleanup of dangerous breaks and spills with caution.

    7. Do not use the telephone unless it is an emergency. It is very easy to jam the telephone lines when everyone is using them at the same time. Check to make sure all of the telephones are hung up.

    8. Begin cleanup of affected areas including dangerous breaks and spills cautiously:

  • a. Cover broken glass to prevent injury to other people.
  • b. Take all wet wood furniture outside to dry, but do not place it in direct sunlight.
  • 9. Leave buildings that have been moderately or heavily damaged until they are made safe. Before entering a flood or mud-damaged building, check for structural damage.

    10. Stay away from flood waters.

  • a. They may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.
  • b. The water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
  • c. Moving water only six inches deep can knock you off your feet.
  • d. Wash your hands with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters.
  • 11. Be aware of where flood waters have receded. Drive only when necessary. Roads may have been weakened and may collapse under the weight of a vehicle.

    12. If you are in a tall building, do not use the elevators, even if they seem to be working. Use the stairwells.

    13. If water mains have been broken or water supplies have become contaminated, treat all water properly before consumption.

    14. Do not use fireplaces until the flue or chimney is checked that it is undamaged or cracked.

    15. Do not go sightseeing!














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