In the days and weeks that follow a big earthquake, your family, friends and neighbors can come together to start the process of recovery.

Once you have dealt with urgent and immediate needs after an earthquake, continue to follow the plan you prepared in advance. Aftershocks will continue to happen for several weeks after major earthquakes. Some may be large enough to cause additional damage. Always be ready to drop, cover, and hold on.

Following a major disaster, communication will be an important step in your recovery efforts. Turn on your portable radio for information and safety advisories. If your home is damaged, contact your insurance agent right away to begin your claims process. For most Presidentially declared disasters, resources will also be available from federal, state, and local government agencies.

Your recovery period can take several weeks to months or longer. Take the actions listed below to be safe and to minimize the long-term effects of the earthquake on your life.

Use the information you put together in your disaster plan and the supplies you organized in your disaster kits. Until you are sure there are no gas leaks, do not re-enter your home. Also, do not use open flames (lighters, matches, candles, or grills) or operate any electrical or mechanical device that can create a spark (light switches, generators, motor vehicles, etc.). Never use the following indoors: camp stoves, gas lanterns or heaters, gas or charcoal grills, or gas generators. These can release deadly carbon monoxide or be a fire hazard in aftershocks.

Following aftershocks, continue to check for gas leaks, chemical spills, damaged electrical wiring and broken water pipes.

• Take pictures of any damage to your property and home.
• Contact your insurance agent or company right away to begin your claims process. Keep records of any repair or cleaning costs.
• Check on the condition of your neighbors, especially those who are seniors or disabled.

Be in communication

• Monitor local radio or television reports about where to get emergency housing, food, first aid, clothing and financial assistance.
• Place all phones back on their cradles.
• Update your out-of-area contact, tell them your status, then stay off the phone. Emergency responders need to use the phone lines for lifesaving communications.

Food and water

• If power is off, plan meals to use up refrigerated and frozen foods first. If you keep the door closed, food in your freezer may be good for a couple of days. Save canned goods for later.
• Listen to your radio for safety advisories.
• If your water is off or unsafe, you can drink from water heaters, melted ice cubes, or canned vegetables. Avoid drinking water from swimming pools or spas.
• Do not eat or drink anything from open containers that are near shattered glass.

This is a time of transition. Although aftershocks may continue, you will now work toward getting your life, your home and family, and your routines back in order. Emotional care and recovery are just as important as healing physical injuries and rebuilding a home.

If you can stay in your home

If your home is safe to occupy and not in danger of collapse in aftershocks, it may be best to remain there even if utilities are out, as shelters or other housing may be overcrowded. You will have a variety of tasks to accomplish:

• If your gas was turned off, you will need to arrange for the gas company to turn it back on.
• If the electricity went off and then came back on, check your appliances and electronic equipment for damage.
• If water lines broke, look for water damage.
• Locate and/or replace critical documents that may have been misplaced, damaged, or destroyed.

If you cannot stay in your home…

If your home is structurally unsafe or threatened by a fire or other hazard, you need to evacuate. However, shelters may be overcrowded and initially lack basic services, so do not leave home just because utilities are out of service or your home and its contents have suffered moderate damage. If you do evacuate, tell a neighbor and your out-of-area contact where you are going. As soon as possible, set up an alternative mailing address with the post office in person or online with the USPS.

Take the following, if possible, when you evacuate:

• Personal emergency supplies kits
• Medications and eyewear
• Supply of water, food, and snacks
• Blanket/pillow/air mattress or sleeping pad
• Change of clothing and a jacket
• Towel and washcloth
• Diapers, food, and other supplies for infants
• A few family pictures or other comfort items
• Personal identification and copies of household and health insurance information

Do not take to a shelter: