What to Do

During an earthquake

1. Duck under a table or big sturdy piece of furniture with your back to the window. 
2. Cover your head and neck with your arms.                                                   
   
3. Hold on until the shaking stops.

Stay away from windows, bookcases, file cabinets, eheavy mirrors, hanging plants, and other heavy objects that could fall.  Watch out for falling plaster and ceiling tiles.  Stay undercover until the shaking stops, and hold onto your cover.  If it moves, move with it.  Do not stand in a door way inside of a building because the door may close on you.

Tips for specific locations. If you’re:

• In a HIGH-RISE BUILDING, and not near a desk or table, move against an interior wall and protect your head with your arms.  Do not use the elevators.  Do not be surprised if the alarm or sprinkler systems come on.  Stay indoors.  Glass windows can dislodge during the quake and sail for hundreds of feet.
• OUTDOORS, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, electrical wires, and poles.
  
• On a SIDEWALK NEAR BUILDINGS, stand next to a building to avoid falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.
  
• DRIVING, pull over to the side of the road and stop.  Avoid overpasses, power lines, and other hazards.  Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over.
  
• In a CROWDED STORE OR OTHER PUBLIC PLACE, do not rush for exits.  Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.
  
• In a WHEELCHAIR, stay in it.  Move to cover, if possible, lock your wheels, and protect your head with your arms.
  
• In a KITCHEN, move away from the refrigerator, stove, and overhead cupboard.  (Take time NOW to anchor appliances, and install security latches on cupboard doors to reduce hazards.)
  
• In a STADIUM OR THEATHER, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms.  Do not try to leave until the shaking is over, and then leave in a calm, orderly manner.  Avoid rushing toward exits.

Building Collapse

Stay away from broken windows, heavy lights, and furniture that may move.

Exit only if you are in danger.

• If you smell gas, leave right away.
• Stay out of elevators.
• Think before you try to move someone. You may cause another collapse or further injure the victim.
• Follow instructions from safety workers.

What to Do After an Earthquake

• Expect aftershocks, and plan where you will take cover when they occur.
• Check for injuries.  Give first aid, as necessary.
• Watch for falling objects.  Avoid broken glass.
• Check for fire.  Take appropriate actions and precautions.
• Check gas, water, and electric lines.  If damaged, shut off service.  Open windows, leave building, and report to Gas Company.
• Replace all telephone receivers, and use for emergency calls only.
• Tune to the emergency broadcast station on radio or television.  Listen for emergency bulletins on 680 AM (KNBR), 740 AM (KCBS) and 810 AM (KGO).
• Stay out of damaged buildings.

Check Utilities

• Turn off gas only if you smell gas (see diagram)
• Identify the main shutoff value which is located on the gas line coming into the main gas meter.  This is usually on the exterior of your home or building, or in an external closet.To turn gas off, give the valve a quarter turn in either directions.  When the lever crosses the direction of the pipe the gas is off.

Warning – If you smell gas, do NOT turn on or off any Power switches.  Do not use ANY open flame candles, matches, lighters to check for leaks.

Turn Off Water

• Water leaks can cause property damage and create an electrocution hazard.
• Cracked pipes may allow contaminants into the water supply in your home.
• After a major earthquake, shut off your water supply to protect the water in your house.
• The water shutoff is usually located in the basement, garage or where the water line enters the home.
• The water shutoff is located on a riser pipe and is usually a red or yellow wheel.
• Turn wheel clockwise to shut off.

Check Electricity

Electrocution can result from direct contact with live wires or anything that has been energized by these wires.

1. Locate your main electric switch, which is normally in the garage or outdoors. The panel box may have a flip switch or pull handle on a large circuit breaker.
2. Shut off electricity when:
   • Arcing or burning occurs in electrical devices.
   • There is a fire or significant water leak.
   • You smell burning insulation.
   • The area around switches or plugs is blackened and/ or hot to the touch.
   • A complete power loss is accompanied by the smell of burning material.

What to Do During a Fire

When using a fire extinguisher, think PASS                        

• Pull the pin
• Aim the Nozzle at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the handle
• Sweep foam from side to side

Fire Precautions

• Get out of the building if you can
• If you are trapped inside, stay near the floor
• Go to a window and call for help
• Set off the fire alarm
• Close doors and windows to slow down the fire

What to Do During a Power Outage

• Turn off all appliances and computers.
• Leave one light on, to show when power is back on.
• Do not use candles. Use flashlights.
• When power is on again, make sure that appliances work properly.
• If you are cold, bring everyone into one room and close all doors to keep heat in
• Drivers: If traffic signals are not working, treat them as stop signs.

What to Do If Someone Is Injured

Do not move the victim unless there is immediate danger.

• Call 911, if the victim is bleeding or unconscious, tell the operator.
• Perform First Aid as needed.
• Remain calm, stay with the victim.

If 911 does not respond due to the extent of the disaster, perform First Aid as needed.  If the person can be moved, drive them to the nearest medical clinic or hospital that may be open.  If the person cannot be moved, contact the Diamond Heights NERT Staging Area at Diamond Heights Christopher Park, Duncan and Diamond, or the Glen Park NERT Staging Area at Elk and Chenery, to alert the lead person that a person needs immediate assistance.