What Should You Do After an Earthquake?

Basics 

Check for Injuries.  Provide First Aid as necessary.
Check for Safety .  Utility hazards (gas, water, or sewer breaks), Electrical hazards (downed electric lines and shorts), Structural damage, and Other hazards.  
Check Utilities.  Do not shut them off unless damaged.  Do not light matches or turn on light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks or flammable liquids.  Do not flush toilets if you suspect nearby sewer lines are broken.  
Clean up dangerous spills Wear proper hand and eye protection.  
Wear sturdy shoes, and protective clothing if there is debris. 
Do not use the telephone except to report life-threatening emergencies.   If you see a phone off the hook, hang it up.  
If you are evacuating, locate and take your pack of emergency supplies with you
Secure your home against intruders. 
Place a HELP sign in windows if you need extra assistance. 
Comfort frightened pets Confine them if necessary.  
Turn on the radio and listen for instructions from public safety agencies. 
Be prepared for aftershocks and be aware of secondary effects from the earthquake. Such as landslides, tsunamis, loose ground, etc.

Dealing with Utilities - Gas 

Fire is the second leading cause of destruction following an earthquake, so it is extremely important to know when and how to turn off the gas. 

Turn the gas off when:  

When you smell a natural gas odour under any circumstances: 

If your home is not in danger from fire or leaking gas, consider leaving your gas supply turned on.   

All pilot lights should be relit by qualified personnel only.  It can be dangerous for you to turn the gas supply back on after an earthquake without having inspected the gas piping venting and appliances.

Dealing with Utilities - Hydro 

Hydro Power

Assess the extent of the power outage.  If the power outage is limited to only your house then: 
1. Appliances or tools left on will start up automatically upon restoration of service.  Turning them off will minimize the risk of injury or fire. 
2. If a power surge follows start-up, it could damage sensitive electronic equipment. 
3. Power can be restored more easily by reducing the load on the electric system. 

If power is out in your neighbourhood, turn off all appliances but leave one light switch on so you know when power is restored.  When power returns, slowly turn on appliances in this order: furnace, fridge, freezer etc.  Too much of a rush on the electrical load could cause it to trip and go out again. 

Downed Power Lines

If you see a downed power line, please call BC Hydro with the exact location.  Keep back 10 metres (33 feet) from wires or anything in contact with them and warn others of the danger .  Always assume that the lines are energized.  

Shuffle or Hop - Don't Step

If your vehicle makes contact with an energized line, remain inside until help arrives.  If you must get out due to fire, jump out with your feet together.  Then shuffle away, keeping both feet close together.  Never contact the ground and your vehicle at the same time . It is safe to call for help from inside your car using your cell phone provided it is not connected to the vehicle systems. 

How to Purify Water 

Boiling  

If you have electricity available, boil water vigorously for 1 minute.  Filter the water through paper, gauze or finely woven fabric to help remove particles or let particles settle to the bottom, then slowly pour off the clean water. There is no guarantee that this will remove all contaminants.  

Water Purification Tablets  

Follow the directions on the package.  Available at most drug stores, travel or camping stores. 

Bleach Purification  

Liquid chlorine bleach (LCB) should be used.  It must contain hypochlorite, preferably 5.25%.  Let stand 30 minutes after application.

Amount of Water Clear Water Cloudy Water
1 Litre 2 drops LCB 4 drops LCB
4 Litres 8 drops LCB 16 drops LCB

Purification compounds must be in contact with the water for at least 30 minutes to kill the bacteria.  The water must be well mixed. The treated water should have a slight chlorine smell and taste.

Dealing with Utilities - Sanitation 

After an earthquake, you should assume that there could be damage to sewer lines. The sewer line to your home may be intact, but it could be broken three blocks away.  If you were to flush your toilet raw sewage could end up in your neighbour's yard.  Some diseases are spread through unsanitary conditions and following an earthquake is no time to become seriously ill. 

If using heavy plastic bags – tie bag loosely, and allow it to dry out when it is half full.  Store the bag in a tightly covered garbage can away from living areas, nursing mothers and food preparation areas.  Once the sanitary sewer system is operational again, you can dispose of the waste into the system.

Solid Waste 

It is necessary to separate your liquid and solid waste .  Liquid waste is not considered a serious health problem, and can be disposed of in a corner of your yard if necessary.  Solid waste, however, is a source of many disease causing bacteria (like cholera) and needs to be disinfected and disposed of properly.  To separate, punch holes in one of the garbage bags lining your toilet or use two separate pails.  

Disinfectants 

Add disinfectant to the waste to help prevent the spread of disease.  You can use the following as disinfectants: 

Hydrated lime reduces odour, fights bacteria, and dries out waste for easier disposal later.  Use liberally, but be careful when using as it can cause skin irritation and dryness.  If available, wear a dust mask and rubber gloves.