Earthquake Safety

This web site information is brought to you by the Alaska Sea Grant College Program as part of Sea Grant’s national Coastal Hazards Mitigation effort, aimed at helping ensure public safety. Most of the information is from a booklet published by the U.S. Geological Survey, Anchorage, Alaska, presented with permission from USGS.

What to do during an earthquake:

1. If you are indoors, duck or drop down to the floor. Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, wood stoves, and heavy furniture or appliances that may fall over. Stay inside to avoid being injured by falling glass or building parts. If you are in a crowded area, take cover where you are. Stay calm and encourage others to do likewise

2. If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings and power lines.

3. If you are driving, stop if it is safe, but stay inside your car.Stay away from bridges, overpasses and tunnels. Move your car as far out of the normal traffic pattern as possible. If possible, avoid stopping under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs.

4. If you are in a mountainous area, or near unstable slopes or cliffs,be alert for falling rocks and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.

5. If you are at the beach, move quickly to higher ground or several hundred yards inland.

What to do after an earthquake:

1. Check for injuries. Do not move a seriously injured person unless they are in immediate danger of further injuries.

2. Safety check. Check for the following hazards: Fire or fire hazards.Gas leaks: Shut off the main gas valve only if a leak is suspected or identified by the odor of natural gas. Wait for the gas company to turn it back on once the damage is repaired. Damaged electrical wiring: Shut off power at the control box. Downed or damaged utility lines: Stay away from downed lines even if power appears to be off. Fallen objects in closets and cupboards: Displaced objects may fall when you open the door. Downed or damaged chimneys: Approach chimneys with caution. They may be weakened and could topple during an aftershock. Check your telephone: Make sure each phone is on its receiver. Telephones that are off the hook tie up the telephone network unnecessarily.

3. Clean up. Clean up potentially harmful materials and/or medicines which may have spilled.

4. Tsunami hazard. If you live along the coast, be alert for news of tsunami warnings issued by the Alaska Tsunami Warning Center. If you experience a strong earthquake, there may not be time to issue a warning. Move to higher ground as soon as you are able, and stay there until the authorities issue an “all clear”.

5. Expect aftershocks. Most of these are smaller than the main earthquake. Some may be large enough to do additional damage to weakened structures. Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns. Do not use lighters, matches, candles, or lanterns until you are sure there are no gas leaks. Use your telephone only in the event of life-threatening emergencies. Turn on a battery-powered radio for information, damage reports, and for information on volunteering your assistance. Clear streets for emergency vehicles. Cooperate with public safety officials.

For more information on Earthquake Safety go to http://seagrant.uaf.edu/fea-tures/earthquake/index.html