Earthquakes can be devastating, leaving destruction in their wake. It’s important to know what to do after an earthquake strikes so that you can stay safe and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family. Here is an instant guide on what to do after an earthquake.
1. Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
The first thing you should do after an earthquake is remain calm and check for any injuries. If anyone has been injured, call 911 or seek medical attention immediately.
2. Check Your Surroundings
After checking for injuries, take a moment to assess your surroundings. Make sure that there are no immediate dangers such as fires or gas leaks that could put you in further danger if not addressed quickly.
3. Turn Off Utilities
If it is safe to do so, turn off all utilities such as gas, electricity, and water until they can be inspected by a professional. This will help prevent further damage or injury from occurring due to damaged utilities.
4. Document Damage
Take pictures of any damage that has occurred in order to document it for insurance purposes later on down the line. This will also help you remember what needs to be repaired or replaced when the time comes for repairs or replacements of items damaged in the earthquake.
5. Seek Professional Help
Once you have taken care of any immediate dangers and documented any damage, it’s time to seek professional help from a qualified contractor or engineer who can assess the extent of the damage and make recommendations on how best to repair it safely and efficiently. At Handsdown Pro we have professionals all across the United States who are experienced in dealing with earthquakes and can help you get your home back into shape quickly and safely!
6. Stay Informed
Finally, stay informed about any aftershocks or other potential dangers that may arise following an earthquake by monitoring local news sources or other reliable sources of information such as the USGS website (https://earthquake.usgs.gov/). This will help keep you up-to-date on any potential risks associated with earthquakes so that you can stay safe during this difficult time!
