When an earthquake hits, it’s important to take a few safety precautions and make sure you’re not dealing with any potential hazards. After the shaking stops, take a walk through your house to check for any damage that may have occurred. Here are some essential things to look for as you assess the situation.
Check for Damage to the Window Glass
One of the first things you should do is check all the window glass in your house. If any window panes are cracked or broken, it’s important to get window glass replacement immediately. Even small cracks in window glass can pose a severe safety hazard. To avoid potential injuries, keep any broken glass covered until it can be replaced.
It would be best if you also inspected the window frames themselves for any damage. It’s critical to get any holes or cracks in the frame fixed as soon as possible. Cracks in window frames can cause the window to break faster in the future and also let in drafts of cold air. So, if you notice any damage to your window frames, get them fixed immediately.
Look for Damage to the Walls
During an earthquake, the walls of your house can suffer severe damage. These cracks can not only weaken the structure of your house but also pose a safety hazard. For example, if there is a crack in the wall near an electrical outlet, it could create a fire hazard. Therefore, it’s crucial to inspect all the walls in your house for any cracks or damage.
If you do find any cracks in the walls, make sure to get them repaired as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to hire a professional to fix the problem.
Check for Damage to the Ceiling
Not only is it dangerous, but a hole in the ceiling can also lead to further damage to your house. If water starts leaking through the hole, it can cause mold and mildew to grow, which can damage your home’s structure even further. So here are a few things you need to do if you find damage to your ceiling:
- If the hole is small, try to patch it up yourself with some putty or plaster.
- If the hole is bigger, you’ll need to call a professional to repair it.
- If there’s water leaking through the hole, turn off the water supply to your house and call a plumber.
You should also check for any cracks in the ceiling. While cracks are not as severe as holes, they can still pose a safety hazard. So get them repaired as soon as you can.
Inspect the Furniture
A house is not a home without furniture. But during an earthquake, furniture can be dangerous. If a piece of furniture falls over, it could seriously injure someone. Therefore, before you do anything else, make sure to inspect all the furniture in your house.
If any of the furniture is unstable or damaged, it’s best to get rid of it. You don’t want to risk someone getting hurt because of a piece of furniture. You can also try to stabilize the furniture by tying it to the wall or another piece of furniture.
Check for Gas Leaks
One of the most dangerous things you can have in your house after an earthquake is a gas leak. If there’s a gas leak, it could create a fire hazard. Therefore, it’s essential to check for any gas leaks before doing anything else. Here are a few things you need to do:
- If you smell gas, open all the windows and doors to ventilate the area.
- Do not turn on any lights or appliances.
- Turn off the gas supply to your house.
- Call the gas company and let them know about the leak.
- Once the gas company has repaired the leak, they will turn the gas back on.
Keep Up With the Cleaning
Cleaning up after an earthquake can be a daunting task. But it’s important to keep up with the cleaning to avoid any health hazards. If the damage is severe, you may need to hire a professional cleaning service. But here are a few things you can do to get started:
- Throw away any food that’s been damaged or contaminated.
- Clean up any broken glass or debris.
- Wash all the dishes and utensils.
- Clean all the floors and surfaces.
An earthquake can be a traumatic experience. But it’s important to stay calm and focus on the task at hand. By following these tips, you can make sure your house is safe and clean after an earthquake. So make sure to stay safe and keep up with the cleaning!
