Checking Your Home

• Watch for loose plaster, drywall and ceilings that could fall as you move about. Do not smoke.
• If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noises, open windows and get everyone out quickly.
  Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve.
• Clean up spilled bleach, gasoline or other flammable liquids to avoid a chemical emergency.
• Check your electrical system. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Do not step in water.
• Check for damage to sewer and water lines. If you suspect sewer lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets; if water pipes appear damaged, avoid using tap water. Instead, melt ice cubes or use water from an undamaged water heater.
• Check telephones. If a phone is off its cradle, replace it, wait 10 seconds and check for a dial tone. If cellular telephone equipment is damaged, cell phones may not get a signal. If your phones are not working, use a neighbor’s phone.
• Call your out-of-state contact to report your status.
• Call 9-1-1 to report serious injuries or fires, or report them to your CERPP Neighborhood Operations Center using your Family Radio Service radio on Channel ___, if you have one.
  

Assessing Your Animals

• Pet behavior many change dramatically. They may become aggressive or defensive.
• Keep you animals under your direct control. Pets may become disoriented and try to escape.
• Check for hazards at nose and paw level: debris, spilled chemicals, fertilizers, etc.
• Protect pets from displaced or wild animals.