Full Notification

The moment the ground stops shaking.

Expect and prepare for potential aftershocks. They cause additional damage and can collapse weakened structures. Remember to “Drop, Cover, and Hold on”.

If you live in a coastal area be aware of possible tsunamis. If local authorities issue a tsunami warning move to higher ground as soon as you can safely do so.

Check yourself for injuries and get First Aid, if necessary, before helping injured or trapped persons.

Look quickly for damage in and around your home such as leaking gas lines, damage to the building, water or electric lines, or other things that may be dangerous. Look for and extinguish small fires if possible. If your home is unsafe get everyone out.

Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the 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.

Do not flip an electric switch. It can cause sparks that will trigger explosions around gas leaks, as will cigarettes, candles and matches.

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 can.

Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using 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.
If you turn off a utility-main after a disaster, only the utility company is allowed to turn it on again -- after they have determined it is safe. This may leave you without heat or light for several days.

Water can be obtained from canned vegetables, melted frozen foods or ice, hot-water-heater drain valves (even if water main is off), and from toilet tanks (not bowls).
Listen to a radio if possible for public announcements and alerts.

Check on neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people and people with disabilities.

Phone service may be out. Use the telephone only for emergency calls. When possible, text or call your out-of-area contact and tell them where you are.

Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
Watch out for fallen power lines and report them immediately. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.

Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, or gasoline or other flammable liquids.

Clean up broken glass and other debris.
Keep your pets safe and in your control.

If you are trapped:
Do not light a match.
Do not move about or kick up dust.
Protect your mouth, nose, and eyes from dust
Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
Let your family and people you know you're safe.

Register on the Red Cross “Safe and Well” web site

Take pictures of the damage - both to the house and its contents - for insurance purposes.