After an Earthquake

Ok, so the shaking has stopped. What now? See tips below for what to do if you are at home. Visit www.publicalerts.org for more preparedness tips.

1. Check yourself and loved ones for injuries.
   The most common injury is cut feet from walking on broken glass.
2. Protect your head, feet, and hands.
   Bicycle helmets protect from falling debris. Sturdy shoes protect from broken glass. Leather gloves protect from sharp objects. All should be stored ahead of time under each person's bed with a flashlight.
3. Check the natural gas/propane at your home.
   If you smell rotten eggs, hear hissing, or observe your natural gas meter dials spinning fast, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve, where the pipe comes out of the ground, by turning it ¼ turn in either direction (a NON-SPARK cast aluminum adjustable wrench works well). Call the gas company from outside your house if possible. For propane, turn off the valve on top of the tank, turning it to the right until it's completely closed. Never turn the gas or propane back on. Find out more from NW Natural.
4. Look for electrical system damage if possible.
   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. Do not step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker. Shut off the individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit breaker.
5. Stay away from downed power lines.
   You can't tell by looking at them whether they are 'live' or not. Never try to move them. Never try to hop over them. Be sure to check overhead for power lines and other hanging items. Never walk under a power line that is resting on a tree branch or fallen tree.
6. Shut off water at the main house valve.
   This traps water in your home and keeps pollutants out of possible drinking water. Likely locations for the house valve are the basement, near the water heater, the garage or at the curb or the meter.

But what if I'm at work?

1. If you happen to be at work when an earthquake strikes: After the shaking stops completely, look around and evaluate your surroundings. If it is safe to do so, gather your personal belongings, such as your cell phone, purse, wallet, identification badge, emergency kit, etc. Then evacuate the building paying close attention to your surroundings and hazards.
2. Make your way to the evacuation meeting location for your building, if you have one. Wait in the meeting location for further instructions from the safety team members. This is how Clackamas County operates at its facilities.
3. If the exit you would use is blocked or too dangerous to use, make your way to another exit.