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After the Quake

  1. Check for injuries. Implement Medical Emergency procedures. If items can be moved by hand, help people who are trapped.
  2. Use phone only to report serious injury, fire, or gas leak. If phone is not operating, go to the Police Services Center or the Emergency Operations Center (if identified).
  3. If natural gas is leaking, extinguish all sources of ignition, and do not turn on or off any electrical switches in the area.
  4. Attempt to block off damaged areas until help can arrive.
  5. Do not touch downed power lines or damaged building equipment.
  6. Implement Chemical Spill procedure, if necessary.
  7. If your building is damaged, evacuate and attempt to secure building against re-entry.
  8. If you have a radio or cellular phone (and batteries and chargers), take with you.
  9. Turn on a battery-powered radio for damage information.
  10. Keep streets clear for emergency vehicles. Do not drive a vehicle unless there is an emergency.
  11. Be prepared for aftershocks (usually smaller than the main quake, but may cause additional damage to weakened structures).