Table 8--4

                                                        Earthquake Safety Measures

Before an earthquake:

!     Hold family earthquake drills so that each member of the family knows what to do in the event of an earthquake.

!     Bolt down water heaters and gas appliances.

!     Know where and how to shut off water, gas, and electricity at main valves and switches.

!     Place large and heavy objects on lower shelves.

!     Fasten bookcases and modular wall units to walls.

!     Secure hanging plants in heavy pots.

!     Secure large picture frames, mirrors, and heavy objects on open shelves.

!     Have on hand emergency supplies, such as flashlights, extra batteries, and a portable battery-operated radio.

During an earthquake:

!     Stay calm.  Think through any action you might take for the consequences it may cause.

!     Stay where you are.  Do not go inside if you are outside.  Do not go outside if you are inside.  Most injuries occur as people are entering or leaving buildings.  Never use elevators.

!     If you are indoors, take cover under a heavy desk, table, bench, supported doorway, or alongside an inside wall.  Cover your head and face to protect them from falling debris.  If you are under a table, desk, etc., hold onto it.

!     Pull a cloth, sheet, or piece of clothing over your head to protect yourself from breathing the thick dust that may be thrown up if the building suffers any damage.

!     Stay away from glass, fireplaces, or anything that could fall on you.  Do not use candles or open flames because of possible gas leaks.

!     If you are cooking, working with machinery, or standing near a fire or naked flame, shut down the machinery, switch off your cooker, and extinguish any flames. If you cannot do so quickly, stay away from the machinery or flame and shut it down as soon as the shaking has stopped.

!     If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, poles, and electrical wires.  Stay away from doorways.  Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

!     If you are driving, pull to the side of the road, away from bridges, overpasses, power lines, tall buildings, or any other structures that could fall onto the car.  Stay inside the car until the shaking has finished.   Watch for hazards in the road after an earthquake.  Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution.  Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.

After an earthquake:

!     Be prepared for aftershocks.  Some may be large enough to cause additional damage.

!     Check for injuries.  Do not attempt to move seriously injured people.  Do not stay to collect belongings or valuables.  As you go outdoors, put your arms over your head to protect yourself against objects possibly falling from above and move as far away from nearby buildings as possible.  Do not look up until you are well clear of the buildings.

!     If your building has been damaged, do not re-enter it.  Another earthquake can come at any time.  Even if your building has not been damaged, stay outdoors for an hour or so.

!     Do not use the telephone unless somebody has been injured or a building is damaged or burning.  The emergency services may need all available lines.

!     Get your news from a portable radio or television.

!     Check for gas leaks.  If you smell gas, shut off your gas at the meter, or have someone else do it.  Check for fallen or loose wires; disconnect damaged appliances.

!     Check your home for damage and evacuate it if it appears dangerous.  Check your chimney for cracks.  Approach chimneys with caution.  If you find severe damage, leave immediately; aftershocks could bring the structure down.

!     Assume that tap water is contaminated; don't use plumbing until you are told sewer lines are safe.  Plug drains to prevent sewage backup.   You can use water from the water heater or toilet tank (not the bowl) for uses other than drinking; purify it by bringing to a rolling boil for one minute or use purification tablets.

!     Clean up hazardous materials.  Be careful of falling objects when you open cabinets or closets.

!     Cover broken windows with plywood or plastic sheeting.

!     Listen to the radio for advisories.

!     Wear protective shoes and clothing.  After a large quake, there will be a lot of broken glass around.

!     Do not use your vehicle, unless there is an emergency.  Do not go sightseeing; you will only hamper relief efforts.