Earthquakes in Idaho

Planning and Preparing

• Prepare an earthquake plan and practice it Teach everyone to "duck, cover, and hold."
  Identify safe spots in every room, such as sturdy desks and tables, and interior walls.
  Locate safe places outdoors: In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
  Develop an emergency communication plan: In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
• Know what to do during a big earthquake Teach everyone who could be home alone how to turn off the gas--but only if they smell or hear a leak.
  Establish an out-of-area contact person who can be called by all family members to relay information. In an emergency, out-of-area calls are often easier to place than local calls. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
  Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
• Store supplies Flashlight and extra batteries
  Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  First aid kit and manual
  Emergency food and water: enough to survive for 72 hours.
  Nonelectric can opener
  Essential medicines
  Cash and credit cards
  Sturdy shoes
• Practice Again Practice emergency plans regularly so that fear will not overcome you.
  Work with your neighbors to prepare a neighborhood plan. You may have elderly or disabled neighbors who could need your help. The support of friends and neighbors could reduce the stress for everyone.
  

During

• If indoors take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside wall and hold on. Stay inside. The most dangerous thing to do during the shaking of an earthquake is to try to leave the building because objects can fall on you.
• If outdoors Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.
• If in a moving vehicle Stop quickly and stay in the vehicle. Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires.
  Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.
• Pets after an Earthquake The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake. Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard.
  Pets may not be allowed into shelters for health and space reasons. Prepare an emergency pen for pets in the home that includes a 3-day supply of dry food and a large container of water.
  

After

• Be prepared for aftershocks. Although smaller than the main shock, aftershocks cause additional damage and maybring weakened structures down. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
• Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
• Keep informed Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information.
• Stay out of damaged buildings. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
• Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately.
• Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.
• Open closet and cupboard doors cautiously.
• Inspect the entire length of chimneys carefully for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.

Inspecting Utilities in Damaged Homes

• Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
• Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.

• Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.