After the quake, what then?

After the quake strikes, you’ll be glad that you put those heavy shoes and gloves under your bed. (If you haven’t, do it now.) The chance of a quake at night is, of course, one in three or 33 1/3 %. You’ll need those shoes and gloves to protect you from all the breakables in your home. Even with latches on cupboards and brackets on heavy furniture, you’ll find broken glass, china, mirrors, and other collectibles all over the house.

Now the first shock is over; it is now important that you expect aftershocks. Ken Leininger, former SD Deputy Fire Chief, tells us that the aftershocks can be more dangerous than the original quake because of damaged structures. If you are indoors, stay there. Move carefully. Use extreme caution. Continue to protect your emergency supplies from falling debris. MAKE SURE YOU WEAR YOUR STURDY SHOES AND GLOVES FOR PROTECTION FROM BROKEN GLASS.

IMMEDIATELY CHECK FOR FIRES. Extinguish them with a fire extinguisher or baking soda. If unable to put out the fire, leave immediately. Any spilled medicines, drugs or other potentially harmful materials should be cleaned up and thrown out immediately.

Use a flashlight when searching for gas leaks or fire hazards. DO NOT USE A LIGHTED MATCH. Do not use electrical switches or appliances if gas leaks are suspected because sparks can ignite gas from broken lines. Never touch downed power lines or objects touched by downed lines.

Check gas, water and electrical lines and check appliances for damage. If you smell gas or see a broken line, shut off main valve. LEARN WHERE AND HOW TO SHUT OFF GAS, WATER AND ELECTRICITY. Make sure you have an adjustable pipe wrench to accomplish this task Once the utilities have been turned off or disrupted, make sure you have a qualified mechanic restore service. DO NOT DO IT YOURSELF.

Now check the water supplies. Water will be contaminated and unsafe for drinking. Use the emergency water you’ve saved. REMEMBER TO STORE ONE GALLON PER DAY PER PERSON. Then use water obtained from water heaters, toilet tanks, melted ice cubes and canned fruits and vegetables. Check to see that sewer lines are intact before flushing the toilet. If they are not, use a portable potty.

When you check closets and storage shelf areas, open the doors very carefully and watch for objects that may fall on you. Keep your pets confined if walls or fences are down.

DON’T USE YOUR TELEPHONES EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCIES. Notify your out-of-town "contact person" about your situation by mail if other communication is not available. Call that person when telephone service becomes available. If that is difficult during daytime hours, try placing the call between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. Pay phones may be the most reliable. Remember to carry a prepaid calling card. Cellular phones may be useful, too.