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- Never light a match because there is always a possibility of a natural gas line having been broken.
- Stay still so that you do not move any dust around.
- Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or a piece of clothing, preferably a dense cotton weave.
- Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust. If you have a flashlight, you can use that as well.
What to Do After a Quake
- Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the earthquake.
- Listen to a battery-operated radio, preferably a NOAA radio for the latest emergency information.
- Do not use your phone unless it is for an emergency. Everyone is going to be wanting to use the phone and it is going to clog up the phone lines. Do not be one of those people. Unless you need the fire department or smell gas, leave the phone alone.
- Just like you hear the airline attendants say on the plane - things may have shifted in overhead bins. The same holds true for all of your cabinets. Be careful when you open anything with a handle. Something might just want to fall out.
- Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations.
- Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
- If you live near the coast, there is the possibility of a tsunami. These are also known as seismic waves. Pay attention to local authorities if they issue a tsunami warning and assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Move to higher ground.
- Pay attention to your surroundings. If you hear anyone calling for help or you see an injured or trapped person, attend to their needs. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly, and anyone who has disabilities. Give first aid where appropriate - as long as it is not beyond your capabilities. Do not move seriously injured folks unless they are in immediate danger of further injury, such as electrocution or risk of danger if another earthquake strikes. Get someone to help you who is trained.
- If you notice that any hazardous materials have spilled in your home, clean them up or remove them as quickly as possible. If you happen to smell gas or any other kinds of fumes, do not stay around to figure out what the smell is. Leave right away. Chemical smells are dangerous.
- Inspect the entire length of your chimney for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.
- Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
- Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
- Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes or using a water filter.
Risk by State and Region
These links will take to you web sites that have maps indicating resent and forecasted activity.