Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with building damage check, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — After shaking you need to judge whether a building is safe.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Check cracks and slopes. Leave if unsafe.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Large cracks, separated chimney, or stuck door frames.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Sloped floors, bulging walls, or heavy creaking.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Structural damage may not be obvious but can fail in aftershocks.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Misjudging safety puts everyone inside at risk.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Walk exterior — look for cracks, leaning, or fallen masonry.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Smell for gas before entering any building.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Inside: check ceilings, load-bearing walls, and door frames.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Evacuate everyone if major warning signs appear.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do basic visual checks only. Evacuate when in doubt.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Report unsafe buildings to local authorities.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call gas company emergency line if you smell gas.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Only qualified engineers declare buildings safe after major shaking.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT ignore wide or widening cracks.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT occupy rooms under visibly damaged ceilings.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Hairline cracks always mean the building is safe
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Wide, stair-step, or widening cracks signal serious structural problems.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Occupying a building that collapses in an aftershock.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Aftershock
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — The ground shakes again after the main earthquake.
Avalanche warning
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Avalanche danger is high on slopes where you are traveling or living.
Buried in avalanche
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You or someone nearby is buried in avalanche snow.
Compound disaster
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Multiple disasters overlap — e.g. earthquake and tsunami, cyclone and flood.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Red-tagged buildings must not be entered.