A massive earthquake hits

[AquaShrimp]

..and all the electricity has been knocked out.  No running water comes out of the faucet.  Smoke can be seen billowing from the nearest major city.  It looks like it is the big one.  A broadcast is picked up by one of your neighbors on his portable radio that its the largest earth quake in history.  All your neighbors come outside to stare at the destruction. 

What do you do first?

Me:
Check the structural integrity of my house, and determine whether it is safe to stay in.  Then I hide all my vehicles behind my house, as working vehicles (and gasoline) will be a precious commodity.  I locate what firearms I have in the house (old single shot 12ga, .22 revolver, .38 revolver, air rifles).  Then I take stock of what food and water I have, and then find flashlights, portable radios, and batteries.

[DieAz]

wakes up and looks around say "huh?" then go back to sleep.

[DiabloTX]

If it happened here in Houston, I think my main concern would be best summed up by Bill Cosby, "How long can I tread water?"

[REP0MAN]

I'd be on my way to see if I can help after I check on my family.

[splitatom]

wakes up and looks around say "huh?" then go back to sleep.

no thats what i would do i can sleep through anything alarms tornato sirens dog freaking out in thunderstorms

[Mini D]

I grab my rifle, fire up the generator, turn on the porch light and wait.

[eskimo2]

In 1964 my father was the minister of the Baptist church in Cordova Alaska.  The Good Friday earthquake hosed much of Alaska; Cordova was a closer to the epicenter than Anchorage.  A few small villages were even closer.  Displaced families stayed in the church and parsonage; one family per room.  My parents told me that once folks moved out (and into temporary housing in their villages) they finally got some privacy and I was conceived.  I was born in March of 1965.

[SteveBailey]

..and all the electricity has been knocked out.  No running water comes out of the faucet.  Smoke can be seen billowing from the nearest major city.  It looks like it is the big one.  A broadcast is picked up by one of your neighbors on his portable radio that its the largest earth quake in history.  All your neighbors come outside to stare at the destruction. 

What do you do first?

Get the family secured. You must live alone.

[eskimo2]

After making sure my family is safe and secure, gas is shut off, etc. I’d go find people to help.  Most of you would do the same.

[Chairboy]

I grab my rifle, fire up the generator, turn on the porch light and wait.

And lose your night vision?  Hmm...

[wrongwayric]

I grab my rifle, fire up the generator, turn on the porch light and wait.

Grab rifle=good idea

Fire up the generator=bad idea

Turn on the porch light and wait=bad idea

Self defense wise getting the rifle is good, other than that you just screwed yourself as you announced "Hey Here i Am". You let everyone know you have gas, electricity, probably basic services and most of all food. Best bet sit tight and see what happens, keep noise and lights to a bare minimum till you know what's going on. Let no one in unless you know them real darn well. Self preservation should always be your first concern.

[midnight Target]

I grab my rifle, fire up the generator, turn on the porch light and wait.

You'll probably want to string up some barbed wire along your hedge fence. Hopefully it has grown over 5 feet tall so your little neighbor can't see over it.

[lazs2]

check to make sure the gas lines are intact.    leave the gunsafe open.   fill everything with water...turn on the radio and wait.   

start thinking about what to do next at my leisure.   plenty of food water and ammo.   enough fuel between the 3 cars and a motorcycle.   see what shakes out.

lazs

[Chairboy]

I'll go w/ Lazs's plan over MiniD's anyday, sounds much more practical.

[Hap]

I’d go find people to help. 

Well said!