1. CONDUCT POST-IMPACT ASSESSMENT: Perform a verbal and physical self-check for injuries immediately after shaking ceases, then assess your partner. Do not move either person if a serious injury is suspected unless you are in immediate, active danger.
2. DON ALL PPE IMMEDIATELY: Both personnel don hard hat, safety goggles, and work gloves before taking any other action. This step is non-negotiable and mitigates injury risk from aftershocks and falling debris throughout all subsequent phases.
3. ESTABLISH ILLUMINATION: Activate one motion sensor LED headlamp per person if the environment is dark. Reserve the rubber flashlight and light sticks for sustained or area lighting use later in the operational window.
4. CONDUCT HAZARD IDENTIFICATION SWEEP: Methodically sweep the immediate area using all senses. Look for structural damage and fire, listen for hissing that may indicate a gas leak, and smell for a rotten egg odor confirming natural gas presence. Identify electrical hazards before moving through any affected space.
5. EXECUTE UTILITY CONTROL IF TRAINED: If a gas leak is confirmed, use the 15-inch pry bar to perform a quarter-turn shutoff at the gas meter. Shut off water at the main valve if major pipe breaks are identified. Do not attempt utility control without prior familiarity with your specific meter type.
6. MAKE THE EVACUATE OR SHELTER DECISION: Evacuate immediately if fire, gas leak, or major structural failure is present. Shelter in place if the structure is sound and the exterior environment presents greater hazards such as downed power lines or collapsed adjacent structures.
7. EXECUTE EVACUATION PROTOCOL IF DEPARTING: Take the primary red backpack and verify your egress route is clear before moving. Use the pry bar to force any jammed doors or windows blocking exit. Move deliberately to a pre-designated open area clear of buildings, trees, and power lines, then activate the radio to monitor for official shelter and safe zone announcements.
8. EXECUTE SHELTER PROTOCOL IF REMAINING: Move to the most structurally sound interior location, such as an interior room or position under a sturdy table. Do not use open flames at any point. Immediately inventory all supplies to establish your baseline for rationing.
9. INITIATE RATIONING PROTOCOL: Allocate one-third of a food ration bar per person per day and four water pouches per person per day beginning immediately. This is the minimum survival baseline and must be enforced from the first hour of deployment.
10. MANAGE COMMUNICATION AND BATTERY CONSERVATION: Turn the AM/FM/WB radio on for 15 minutes at the top of each hour to receive official emergency updates and instructions. Keep all other battery-powered devices off when not in active use to preserve capability across the full 72-hour window.
11. ADDRESS INJURIES AND HYGIENE: Use the 118-piece first aid kit to treat minor cuts and scrapes promptly. Clean and cover all wounds immediately, as post-disaster sanitation conditions significantly elevate infection risk. This kit contains no trauma supplies; seek professional medical assistance for any serious injury.
12. SIGNAL FOR RESCUE IF REQUIRED: If trapped or in need of rescue, use the signal whistle in the universal distress pattern: three blasts, pause, then repeat. Continue at regular intervals to guide responders to your position.
