Emergency Shelter Assessment & Hardening

Stand 50 feet away from the building. Look for obvious destruction: collapsed walls, missing roofs, or the structure tilted or listing to one side. Check for large diagonal cracks running through exterior walls. If damage is severe, do not approach—mark RED and leave immediately.

If damage appears minor, walk closer cautiously. Step on the floor gently; it should feel solid. Push on interior walls; they should resist pressure. Cracks wider than a finger, especially at 45-degree angles, indicate structural stress. Sagging floors (more than 1-2 inches lower than normal) mean load-bearing failure. Listen for creaking or groaning sounds.

Do not enter if you smell gas, hear structural sounds, or see major damage. Unstable buildings collapse without warning.

Gas leaks: Smell for a sharp, rotten-egg odor (natural gas additive). Do not toggle switches, use phones, or create sparks. Open all windows immediately if gas is detected and evacuate.

Structural collapse: Look for crushed or buckled columns and posts. Walls that bow outward are failing. Triangular or X-pattern cracks indicate loss of structural integrity. Push gently on walls—movement means danger.

Flooding: Check basements and low areas for standing water. Look at foundation walls for water stains, seepage, or mold. If heavy rain is expected or you are in a flood zone, avoid lower floors.

Evacuate immediately if you hear continuous creaking, feel the building moving, or smell gas. Do not use flame-based lights near potential gas leaks.

GREEN tag (Safe): No visible damage, structure sound, utilities safe. Building is safe to occupy.

YELLOW tag (Caution): Minor damage present (small cracks, loose items, water seeping). Structure is likely safe but needs later inspection. Utilities may be compromised. Occupancy is temporary.

RED tag (Unsafe): Major damage visible (collapsed sections, severe cracks, tilted walls, buckled floors). Building is uninhabitable and dangerous. Do not enter or occupy.

Write tags clearly on paper or tape and affix to the main entrance. Use visible materials so others see the building's status immediately. Reassess tags after aftershocks or weather changes.

Tags reflect current conditions only. Aftershocks can change a YELLOW building to RED. Reassess regularly and update tags.

Reinforce the roof: Cover holes with tarps, plywood, or branches. Secure tightly with rope or wire to prevent wind damage and water entry.

Brace weak walls: Use wooden posts, logs, or beams to support sagging or damaged walls. Space supports 3–4 feet apart. Wedge them snugly and secure with nails or wire.

Seal gaps: Use plastic sheeting, blankets, cardboard, or mud to block openings where rain or wind enters. Seal around windows and doors first. Never seal the entire building—leave one opening for ventilation to prevent gas buildup.

Improve drainage: Clear gutters and downspouts. Dig shallow trenches around the building to route water away. Fill low spots near the foundation.

Elevate supplies: Move bedding, food, and valuables 12+ inches off the ground to prevent water damage and pest access.

Do not create airtight seals. Leave ventilation open to prevent toxic gas accumulation. A hardened shelter is temporary—plan to relocate as soon as possible.