After Tips
Read these 12 After Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Earthquake tips and hundreds of other topics.
Aftershocks
Be prepared for aftershocks which normally occur within seconds or minutes of the first quake. Although they are not generally as powerful as the original quake, they can still cause more damage. If you have already found a fairly safe place to be, it's best to remain there.
Electricity
After an earthquake, you should check for electrical damage. If you see sparks or broken, frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or curcuit breaker ASAP. If the area around the fuse box or curcuit breaker is wet, you may want to get advice from an electrician first before going near it.
Recovering Psychologically
Most experts agree that in the aftermath of a quake, or in any disaster for that matter, recovery from the psychological trauma occurs more quickly if you resume a near-normal routine as soon as possible. For instance, prepare dinner at the usual time, maintain your regular fitness regime, stay as much to a normal scedule as you can.
Sewage and Water
Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged avoid using toilets and drains until a plumber can inspect them. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using any taps. You can use water from melting ice cubes for the time being or that bottled water you stored ahead of time.
Gas
In the aftermath of an earthquake, check your home for gas leaks by using your sense of smell. If you hear a blowing or hissing noise, or smell gas, ventilate the area if possible and get out of the house. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from an outside phone. It's currently recommended to only turn the gas off if your hear or smell gas. Otherwise, leave it be. Many explosions have resulted from turning gas off unnecessarily.
Chimneys
It's not your highest priority after an earthquake, but you can save yourself a lot of future heartache by inspecting the entire length of any chimneys you may have in your home. You're looking for damage because, oddly enough, unnoticed damage in these can lead to a fire. This is more relevant the to use the chimney, especially in colder climates where you're inclined to use it as a heat source because of a power failure. Cracks in these structures can create awful backdrafts when a fire is started inside them.
What's Most Affected in the Aftermath
Basic travel is the most affected in the aftermath of a quake. When roads and thoroughfares are destroyed, most travel can only be done on foot. Roadways are usually the last to be restored after an earthquake.
Telephone
It will be easier to make long distance calls rather than local ones. Of course, radio and TV broadcasts will always send out a bulletin asking people to stay off the phone. If you have an out-of-state relative, set up a contact plan with this person, so that they can call family members and significant others. Get in touch with that person briefly; let them call the rest. Otherwise keep telephone use to emergency calls only.
Broadcasts
Once an earthquake and aftershocks have stopped, it's time to dig up that battery-operated radio or television you prepared ahead of time to listen for the latest emergency info. In the meantime, stay out of damaged buildings and return to your home only when the authorities say it's safe.
Victims
If the quake has caused extensive damage emergency services will be "strapped" initially. Other victims may rely heavily on the assistance of good samaritans. If you're up for it, grab one of your first aid kits to help any other injured or trapped victims. Calling for help doesn't hurt, but obviously there will more than likely be a long delay in the normal response times, which is usually 8 - 10 minutes.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D. |
