Post-earthquake home safety checklist
Turn off gas and power before inspecting, and don't move back in if you see 45-degree diagonal cracks
01 What to do now
- 01
First turn off the main gas valve and the home's main power switch, to avoid a gas explosion or electrical fire while you inspect
- 02
Gas & electricity
Confirm the gas valve is really closed, and check for any smell; check wiring for exposure or scorch marks
- 03
Structural safety
Check main beams, columns, and shear walls for diagonal cracks (especially at 45 degrees) — if you find any, don't keep living there, and get a professional structural engineer's assessment
- 04
Pipes, doors & windows
Check water and gas pipes for leaks; check walls and ceilings for new cracks; check whether doors and windows are warped and can no longer open or close properly
- 05
Escape routes
Confirm the stairwell and stair structure haven't been seriously damaged
02 Common myths
Assuming the house is fine because nothing obviously collapsed: fine diagonal cracks in walls can be more dangerous than visible damage
Using lights and gas while inspecting: the risk of secondary disasters is highest right after an earthquake — always turn everything off before inspecting