Don't use matches, lighters, candles, or have any open flames until you are sure that there are no gas leaks or flammable chemical spills in the area. If you use a flashlight, turn it on outside the house before bringing it inside the house. A light stick that you bend to activate is the safest source. Turn off the electricity, water and gas from the outside of the house if they are damaged or leaking. Do not use the telephone unless it's an emergency.
Water is a critical item during an emergency.
After an earthquake, do not drink from the faucet until authorities tell you that it is safe to drink. All water should be purified before drinking because it may be contaminated. It is important to ration your water sensibly, but also drink enough that you do not become dehydrated. Clean up spills of medicines, drugs, or chemicals that may be potentially harmful. Clean up other harmful items such as broken glass and jagged wood.