After The Earthquake

REMAIN CALM. TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND EVALUATE WHAT HAS HAPPENED AROUND YOU! Be prepared for aftershocks.

• Do NOT use elevators
  
• Tune your radio to the local Emergency Alert Station (KMOX) for the latest information and assistance available.
  
  
• Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
  
  
• Wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet from fallen glass.
  
  
• Check gas, water and electrical lines and appliances for damage. If you smell gas or see a broken line, shut off the main valve (outside the house). Do not switch on the gas or electricity again until the power company checks your home (this could take days or weeks, depending on the extent of damages). It would be best to find shelter else where. Also know where the main shut offs are for water and electric.
  
  
• Use flashlights only for light! Do not light matches or use any open flames, i.e. candles.
  
  
• If there's a fire and you can fight it without getting hurt, put it out with the proper extinguisher. DO NOT USE WATER ON ELECTRICAL OR GAS FIRES.
  
• Assume downed power lines are carrying live current and avoid all contact.
  
• Do not use the telephone. It must be reserved for life-or-death situations. (Long distance service (pay Phone) may be on sooner than local, if you have family or friends outside the state <as far away as possible> make sure that each family member has that number and use it as the point of contact to check on each other if your family has been separated.
  
  
• Check to see that sewage lines are intact before you use the toilet. Plug bathtub and sink drains to prevent sewage backup.

(The following information is issued by the Missouri Department of Health and the Missouri Emergency Management Agency)

SEWAGE DISPOSAL following an EARTHQUAKE:

What will happen?
In an emergency such as a large magnitude earthquake, sewer lines will probably be damaged and become inoperable. Sewage may back up and broken water lines may become contaminated by sewage.

What Should I Do?
If stoppage in sewer lines is suspected or obvious, discontinue discharge of wastewater in house or building sinks and drains and stop flushing toilets. Avoid contact with any overflow wastewater or sewage.

If I Can't Flush the Toilet, What Can I Use?

• Large extra-strength trash bags (double bags) may be placed in tight plastic or metal containers, with tight fitting lids, or used as liners in toilets. Household disinfectant can be used for odor control. Final disposal can be by burying or by sanitary sewer when notified by public health officials.
  
  
• A dug latrine or trench 2 to 3 feet deep can be used by bury human waste. Spread a thin layer of powdered lime or dry chlorine bleach and a layer of earth each time it is used. Mark the latrine site with a stick so others know where it is.
  
  
• Portable camp toilets, RV toilets, porta-potties, etc., can be used.
  
  
• High occupancy complexes such as apartments, condominiums, and office buildings should consider making arrangements to obtain commercial chemical toilets.

What About Sewage Overflow in My House?
Wash all contaminated areas with detergent and water, then rinse with sanitizing solution of one tablespoon household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) to each gallon of water. Be sure to clean and sanitize all contaminated areas -- pay special attention to cooking utensils, work surfaces and other surface areas such as floors and walls which your family and pets may come in contact with.