Should I evacuate my home immediately after an earthquake tremor ends?

After an earthquake tremor ends, it is not recommended to leave your home immediately unless there is an imminent danger or you have been instructed to evacuate by local authorities [4]. It is essential to first assess the situation inside and around the home to ensure your safety and the safety of your family. There may be hidden hazards, such as leaking gas lines, damaged electrical wiring, or structural damage to the building [4].

Assessing damage inside the home

Once the tremor stops, expect aftershocks [4]. Begin by carefully assessing potential damage inside your home. Check walls, floors, doors, windows, and stairs for any damage [4]. If you see structural damage, such as cracks in the foundation or missing support columns, you may need to move to a shelter or another safe location [4]. Check gas, electrical, and water lines for any damage. If you smell gas or see a broken line, shut off the main valve from the outside [4]. Do not use matches, lighters, appliances, or light switches until you are sure there is no gas leak, as sparks from electrical switches can ignite gas and cause an explosion [4]. If the power is out, use flashlights instead of candles [4].

When should you evacuate immediately?

You must evacuate the home immediately if there is a direct threat to your life or safety. This includes:

• If you hear shifting sounds or unusual noises, which could mean the building is about to collapse [4].
• If there is an official evacuation order from local authorities [4].
• If you are in a coastal area and there is a risk of a tsunami, move inland and seek higher ground [4]. Tsunamis can occur minutes to hours after a strong earthquake [4].
• If you are in an area prone to landslides or mudslides, and the tremor occurred during heavy rain or in an area with steep slopes [3].

In these cases, you must move quickly and calmly to a safe place away from immediate hazards.

Safety steps after an earthquake

If there is no need for immediate evacuation, follow these steps to ensure your safety:

• Be prepared for aftershocks: Expect aftershocks, which can occur minutes, days, weeks, or even months after the larger earthquake. If you feel an aftershock, perform the "Drop, Cover, and Hold on" procedure [4].

• Check for injuries: Check yourself and your family for any injuries and provide necessary first aid [4].

• Stay informed: Listen to battery-operated radio or television stations, or mobile text alerts, for emergency information and instructions from authorities [4].

• Stay away from damaged buildings: Do not enter a damaged building. Earthquakes can damage buildings and make them unsafe. Wait until local authorities tell you it is safe to enter [4].

• Beware of power lines: Watch out for downed power lines that may be hanging overhead. Stay away from downed power lines and call the power company to report them [4].

Prior planning for emergencies

Having a family emergency plan can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses [1]. The plan should include safe gathering points, alternative communication methods, and an emergency kit containing essential supplies. For more information on how to prepare for earthquakes, you can visit Earthquakes: A Family Guide to Preparation and Protection During and After a Tremor (Arabic).

Medical references

• Earthquakes
• Earthquakes: Before, During, and After
• Landslides and Mudslides and Your Safety
• Safety Guidelines: After an Earthquake | Earthquakes | CDC