What To Do When Disaster Strikes

Take these nine  steps immediately after the disaster (right after the shaking stops):

1.   Take Care of Your Loved Ones

2.   Protect your head, feet and hands

A bicycle helmet or hard hat protects from falling debris. Sturdy shoes protect from broken glass. Leather gloves protect from sharp objects

3.   Check the natural gas or propane at your home

Shut off if necessary. This is one of the best ways to prevent fire.

4.   Shut off water at the house main

To trap drinking water in your home and keep pollutants out of the possible drinking water this will turn the water in your water heater into a reserve.

5.   Place the Help or OK sign

On your front door or window. Posting the sign helps your neighbors locate those who need help first.

6.   Place your fire extinguisher on the sidewalk

Or where neighbors can see it. If a neighbor has a small fire after a disaster, extinguishers are immediately available.

7.   After steps 1-6 are complete go to the Neighborhood Gathering site:

The S Street Circle

8.  Organize at the Neighborhood Gathering site

• • Access Disaster Response Manual and Assign Roles

  • Check on neighbors who are elderly, those with disability or children who may be home alone. 

  • Check all propane tanks and shut off if necessary

  • Survey neighborhood

9.  Report Back

After your team has completed its work go back to the Neighborhood Gathering Site. Share what your have done with your neighbors.