After an earthquake:
- Listen to your local radio stations as emergency management officials will be broadcasting the most appropriate advice for your community and situation
- Expect to feel aftershocks
- Check yourself for injuries and get first aid if necessary. Help others if you can
- Be aware that electricity supply could be cut, and fire alarms and sprinkler systems can go off in buildings during an earthquake even if there is no fire. Check for, and extinguish, small fires if safe to do so
- If you are in a damaged building, wait for advice from emergency wardens. If no one is around, try to get outside and find a safe, open place
- Use the stairs, not the elevators
- Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines, and stay out of damaged areas
- Only use the phone for short essential calls to keep the lines clear for emergency calls. Use text messages if possible
- If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, get everyone out quickly and turn off the gas if it is safe to do so
- If you see sparks, broken wires or evidence of electrical system damage, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box if it is safe to do so.
- Keep your animals under your direct control as they can become disorientated. Take measures to protect your animals from hazards, and to protect other people from your animals
- If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.