As the daily news brings word of devastating cyclones, earthquakes, and tornadoes, it can be easy to be fearful about the future. Instead, it is important to maintain perspective, and to feel gratitude for blessings.
One blessing is that we live in an area with strict building codes and a tendency towards wooden frame architecture. This does increase the possibility of local structures to survive earthquakes, and that even if there is a collapse, following proper safety procedures like taking shelter under a table should get you through. Since the odds are good that you will still be around when the earth stops shaking, it becomes important to know what to do.
First, assess the damage that has been done. Consider the following:
· Are you injured? Is anyone else?
· Is there broken glass around?
· Do the walls or ceiling seem in danger of collapse? Any signs of fire?
· Are the water pipes broken?
· Have the gas pipes been disrupted?
Gas
If the gas pipes have been broken, you will want to turn off the gas right away. Signs to look for include a hissing or blowing noise, or a smell like rotten eggs. This needs to be dealt with immediately, because in addition to the danger of suffocation, a spark can also cause an explosion and start a fire. Because of this, you should not turn on any lights or electrical devices, including battery-operated ones like cell phones and flashlights. You should have a supply of light sticks on hand, which provide light without throwing a spark. (No matches either.)
The gas shutoff will be outside your house. It is not designed to be turned by hand. You can use a pipe or crescent wrench, but Northwest Natural Gas will provide a special tool for that purpose, and the 5-in-1 tool you get with CERT training will also do the trick. Turn the valve from the vertical to the horizontal position. Depending on the size of the leak you can open windows to air out, but it may be best to simply evacuate the building.
It is a good idea to locate the valve and make sure you have an easy way to turn the valve before you need to. You can try a 1/8th turn to experiment and then turn it back, but once you have shut off the valve completely, the gas company wants you to call them to turn it back on. (The emergency line is 800-882-3377.)
Water
This is probably more of a property damage issue than a safety issue, but if you hear water running you should shut it off as well. There should be a shut off valve at the water meter, but there may be closer ones in the basement or garage, or outside near the foundation. You should locate it in advance as well. Fortunately, water can be turned back on without agency assistance.
Broken glass
You should always have a sturdy pair of shoes near your bed. This will keep you from having to choose between hunting in the dark for shoes or walking barefoot over broken glass. Perhaps you have a nearby drawer in which you could keep shoes, light sticks, and a wrench (though you may want to attach the wrench to the gas pipe instead).
Structural damage or fire
New fires, caused by woodstoves overturning or electrical disruption, should be suppressed immediately. If not possible, evacuate.
Look for cracks in the foundation, walls, or ceiling. Remember, there may be aftershocks that will do additional damage, or simply additional settling of the building, and it may be safest to evacuate the house. You should have tents, sleeping bags, and tarps available in case you need to take up residence in the back yard or at a shelter.
Injuries
In the event of a major earthquake, emergency responders will be overwhelmed, so you should count on delays. Having a basic knowledge of first aid, and supplies available, can greatly improve the health and comfort of your household.
Other things to expect
Cell phone communication will probably be down for several days as the system is overwhelmed. Land lines may also be out of order, but it is sometimes possible to dial out of the area even when local calls are impossible. If family members have one designated out of state person to call, this contact can track everyone and provide reports. HAM radio can be a huge help.
Bridges will be closed until they can be inspected, and this will take a while. In addition, there is a good chance that the tunnels on 26 and Barnes (going through the West Hills) will be closed at least temporarily, along with MAX. We have one friend who never crosses the river without a full tank of gas and an emergency pack, and it is not a bad policy. If you work downtown or on the East side, you should have an alternate plan for what to do if you cannot get home. Regardless of where you work, think about what lies between your home and office, what obstacles would be created by an earthquake or other disaster, and what you could do.
Next month we will go over things you can do before the quake to mitigate damage, unless a major quake happens before then, in which case we will find something more practical. Also, in case the natural disasters and rumors of wheat and rice shortages are causing you to feel serious about food storage, we will be looking at setting up a ward cannery date soon.
All of these things are manageable, but you need to prepare.
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