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If someone needs immediate help with earthquake recovery, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Days after an earthquake managing recovery at home.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Stay out of unsafe buildings. Check utilities. Use safe water.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Visible cracks, broken utilities, boil-water notices.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Power outages and ongoing aftershocks.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Recovery means securing safe shelter while hazards may still exist.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Emotional trauma is common after major earthquakes.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Verify home is safe — look for new cracks and smell for gas.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Turn off gas at meter if you smell gas and know how.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Photograph damage before cleanup for insurance.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Check on neighbors and establish family communication plan.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Focus on safety, shelter, and basic needs. Leave structural assessments to engineers.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call utility emergency numbers for gas leaks or downed lines.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Contact disaster relief for shelter if needed.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Engineers must inspect before reoccupying damaged buildings.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT use candles near gas leaks or in damaged buildings.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT drink tap water until authorities confirm safe.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If a building looks fine from outside it is safe inside
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Hidden structural damage may exist. Professional inspection is needed.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Collapse during aftershocks in seemingly intact buildings.
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 — Seek mental health support if anxiety persists.