Keep Calm During Earthquake Aftershocks!

There has been an earthquake. We don't know the extent of the damage yet, but we'll give you information as soon as it's available. Keep listening for news and safety instructions. Here is what you should do immediately.

• DO NOT Panic. Please remain calm. Be prepared for more shaking. It will be at least 72 hours before outside help can get into the area. Local emergency resources may be overwhelmed, be prepared to help your neighbors!
• Tune your radio to (Station Call Sign) the local Emergency Alert Station - EAS - (formerly EBS Station) in your local area.
• Put on sturdy shoes to avoid cutting your feet.
• Be prepared for more shaking. Stay Calm! If you are indoors when the shaking starts, stay indoors, away from windows and other hazards. If you are outdoors, stay in the open. Be alert for falling objects, glass and debris.
• Take Inventory of your food and water supplies. Gather non-perishable food and your stored water and put in a safe location. You may be able to remain in your home depending on the severity of the aftershocks. If your home is uninhabitable, bring your food, water and clothing to a shelter site.
• Water, Water, Water - gather our stored drinking water into one location. If you do not have stored drinking water, fill our bathtub with water. Do not flush your toilet! If your water heater was strapped to the wall, you will still have 20-40 gallons of drinking water depending on the size of your water heater tank. Melted ice cubes are also a drinking water source. If you have an older toilet, the water tank will have approximately 3.5 gallons of water, the newer versions have 1.6 gallons of water that can be used for drinking. Don't use the water in your toilet tank if you use a cleaning agent such as Tidy Bowl.
• Use flashlights only for light turning light switches on or off may ignite leaking gas. DO NOT use matches, lighters or candles.
• Turn off utilities ONLY if you smell smore or gas. If you smell gas or smoke, get everyone out of the house then turn off your gas and electricity at the main meters. If your utilities have not been damaged, leave them alone. Gas utilities can only be relit by certified utility repair people.
• Water line ruptures. Know how to turn off your water at the incoming valve if the water lines are ruptured. It is important that you know how to turn off our utilities at the source to keep damage to your home to a minimum.
• Check on the other people in your household. If they are hurt, use first aid. Make sure breathing passages are open! Stop bleeding above the pressure points. You can tear clean sheets into strips to make bandages.
• If there's a fire and you can fight it without getting hurt, put it out with the proper extinguisher. DO NOT use water on electrical or gas fires.
• Do not use the telephone. It must be reserved only for life-or-death situations.
• If you go outside to an open area - stay away from buildings. Watch for fallen power lines; many lines may be down and they can severely injure you if you touch them. If someone is in contact with a downed line, push the downed line away with a piece of wood.
• If you're in a car, pull over and stop. Stay away from bridges, overpasses, power lines or other hazards. Stay in your car and listen to the radio. Keep the road clear for emergency vehicles.

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