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Prepping for an earthquake (Part 6): After the quake

By The SHTF App Team

The initial earthquake is often just the opening salvo. In the Christchurch earthquake sequence (NZ), significant aftershocks caused more damage and trauma than the initial tremor. Furthermore, modern disasters are defined by “Information Blackouts.” Cell towers jam immediately, leaving you isolated and anxious.

⚠️ Silence fuels panic. If you cannot reach your family, you might make rash decisions - like driving into a danger zone to find them. If you ignore the risk of aftershocks, you might re-enter a compromised building just as it collapses. By establishing a communication protocol before the grid jams and understanding the science of aftershocks, you maintain tactical control. You know how to signal for help, how to connect with loved ones without clogging the network, and when it is safe to go back inside.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be considered, professional or emergency-response advice. Always follow the instructions of local authorities.

The Readiness Audit

If cell service went down right now, how would you tell your family you are safe?

  • 🟢 Green: You have a designated “Out-of-Area” contact (like an aunt in another state) that everyone knows to text. You have a battery-operated radio.
  • 🟡 Yellow: You have your spouse’s number memorized, but you plan to just keep calling until it goes through.
  • 🔴 Red: You rely entirely on group chats and have no backup plan if the internet fails.

If you are Yellow or Red, memorize Phase 2 immediately.

Phase 1: The Tsunami Rule (The 10-Minute Warning)

Goal: Survive the secondary wave.

If you live near the coast, the earthquake IS the warning.

  • The Rule: If the shaking is strong enough to knock you down or lasts longer than 20 seconds, assume a tsunami is generated.
  • The Action: DO NOT wait for a siren. Sirens can fail. Move to high ground or inland immediately.
  • The Trap: Do not go to the beach to “watch the water recede.” That is the precursor to the surge.

Phase 2: The Comms Protocol (Text, Don’t Talk)

Goal: Connect when the network is overloaded.

1. The Bandwidth Reality

  • The Problem: After a disaster, everyone tries to make a voice call simultaneously. The network crashes.
  • The Fix: Text messages (SMS). Data packets for text are tiny. They can squeeze through congested networks and will “queue” until a signal is found.
  • The Rule: “Text First, Talk Later.” Keep it brief: “I am safe. At home. Gas off. Love you.”

2. The “Out-of-Area” Contact

  • The Problem: Local calls (within the disaster zone) often fail because local towers are dead or jammed.
  • The Fix: It is often easier to call out of the region than across it.
  • The Setup: Designate one family member who lives in a different state.
  • The Protocol: Everyone in your family calls/texts that one person. They act as the central hub, relaying safety status to everyone else.

Phase 3: The Aftershock Strategy (Structure Safety)

Goal: Don’t become a casualty of the second wave.

1. The “Fragile Building” Theory

  • The Reality: The main quake may have cracked the structural supports of your home. It is standing, but fragile. A moderate aftershock (which can happen minutes or days later) can finish the job.
  • The Inspection: Before staying inside, do a rapid visual check:
    • Chimney: Look at the roof line. Is the chimney separated or leaning? (Falling bricks are a major killer).
    • Foundation: Is the house shifting off the concrete?
    • Smell: Do you smell gas?

2. The Re-Entry Rule

  • Action: If you have any doubt about structural integrity, set up camp in the backyard or garage (if safe). Do not sleep in a compromised house during the first night of heavy aftershocks.

Goal: Get intel when the internet is down.

1. The NOAA Weather Radio

  • Why: This is not just for weather. It broadcasts civil emergency messages. It works when cell towers have no power.
  • The AM/FM Backup: Local news stations often switch to battery generators to broadcast vital info. Know the frequency of your local emergency station.

2. The “Analog” Internet

  • The Action: If the internet is down, information travels by word of mouth. Talk to neighbors. Share what you know. Community is the ultimate backup grid.

The “Essential Kit” Checklist

  • The Contact: A written list of the out-of-area contact’s number, memorized by every family member.
  • The Radio: A battery-operated or hand-crank NOAA weather radio.
  • The Charger: A solar or hand-crank phone charger.
  • The Message: A pre-agreed phrase everyone uses to signal “I’m safe.”