Before an Earthquake

Conduct a home hazard hunt.

Go through each room in your household and see what objects are unsecured that could fall or move during an earthquake.

Secure items that could fall and cause injury or block escape routes (like bookshelves, televisions, refrigerators, wall decorations, and light fixtures).

• Practice Drop, Cover, Hold On.
• Build an emergency kit.
• Make a household emergency plan.

During an Earthquake

The most common causes of injury during earthquakes are being struck unsecured objects and trying to move or run while the ground is shaking.

To protect yourself, the best thing to do is to drop, cover, then hold on!

After an Earthquake

There may be aftershocks after the largest shock of an earthquake. In case of an aftershock, be sure to drop, cover, and hold on. 

Check yourself for injuries and help other people if you can.

Do not enter damaged buildings. If in a damaged building, go outside and move away from the building.

Only turn off natural gas if you suspect a gas leak. A rotten egg smell, whistling sound, or meter spinning can all be indicators of a gas leak in your home. Once you turn off the gas, wait for your utility company to turn it back on.

If you are trapped, cover your mouth. Send a text, bang on a pipe or a wall, or use a whistle to signal for help instead of yelling so rescuers can locate you.

Stay informed with local news and emergency instructions.

Before Structure  Fire 

Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with at least 2 ways out of every room. Include windows in your escape planning.

Building or business owners should develop a fire evacuation plan.

Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and both inside and outside of every sleeping area. Test batteries every month and change them every 6 months.

Sleep with bedroom doors closed.

Store copies of important documents in a fire-proof lock box or digital copies with a trusted, out-of-area loved one.

During Structure Fire 

Call 9-1-1 as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Crawl low under any smoke to exit.

Before opening a door, feel the door with the back of your hand. If it feels hot or there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use a different way out.

If you open a door, open it slowly. If fire or smoke is present, shut it quickly.

Do not re-enter a building for people or pets. Call 9-1-1 and tell the operator where people are located in the building and tell firefighters when they arrive.

If you can't get out of a burning building, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out. Call 9-1-1 and tell them where you are. Signal for help at the window with a light colored cloth or flashlight.

If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll. If you or someone else cannot stop, drop, and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel. Treat burns with cool water and cover with a clean, dry cloth. Call 9-1-1 right away.

After Structure Fire 

Contact the American Red Cross if you need emergency housing assistance at 206-587-2345.

If you are insured, contact your insurance company for instructions on how to proceed.

Do not re-enter a building until professional responders say it is safe to do so.

Do not attempt to reconnect utilities yourself. Contact your utility provider.

Inventory damaged property and items. Take photos if you can. Do not throw away damaged property until it is inventoried.

Save receipts for any money spent related to the fire. These may be needed by your insurance company and for verifying losses for tax purposes.

Notify your mortgage company or landlord of the fire.

Clean up smoke, soot, and fire damage. If the damage is extensive consider hiring a professional.

Experiencing a fire can be extremely stressful and traumatic. Learn how to cope and recover emotionally after a fire.

Before Flooding 

Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the United States, and can be caused by a wide variety of hazards. Flooding is most likely to occur due to heavy rainfall or other events that overwhelm the drainage system. There are steps to take to reduce damage from and even prevent flooding.

During Flooding

Turn around, don't drown! Never drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads. It only takes a few inches of water to move vehicles, and water may have weakened the ground underneath the road, even if the street looks solid. Never drive around barricades.

Never play in, touch, or drink flood water. Do not allow children or animals to do so. Floodwater can be contaminated or contain dangerous debris.

If flooding is severe and you are unable to clear a storm drain contact local Public Works Department.

After Flooding

 Turn around, don't drown! Never drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads. It only takes a few inches of water to move vehicles, and water may have weakened the ground underneath the road, even if the street looks solid. Never drive around barricades.

Never play in, touch, or drink flood water. Do not allow children or animals to do so. Floodwater can be contaminated or contain dangerous debris.

If flooding is severe and you are unable to clear a storm drain, call the 24/7 Public Works.