Earthquakes
Over a period of time, stresses build beneath the Earth's surface. From time to time, stress is released resulting in the sudden, and sometimes disastrous shaking we call an earthquake. It could last seconds, or minutes and come in a series over several days.
An earthquake is often 'announced' by a loud noise like that of a train or explosion. Initial earth movements and swaying of structures caused by the earthquake could be followed some time later (after hours or days) by aftershocks, usually of decreasing severity.
Earthquake Action Guide
1.Checklist (things you should have and do)
- A torch with fresh batteries (next to your bed)
- A battery-operated radio and spare batteries
- A first aid kit and book. Make sure your family knows where they're kept.
- List these phone numbers on the inside front cover of you phone book or on a card: Police, Fire, Ambulance, State Emergency Service, Doctor, Water, and Electricity, Gas.
- Decide how and where your family will re-unite if separated.
- Know the safe areas in each room: under sturdy tables, desks, bed or against in sidewalls, in a corner.
- Know the danger spots: windows, mirrors, hanging objects, chimneys fireplaces and tall-unsecured furniture.
- Know how and where to turn off your electricity, gas, water and central heating oil.
2. In an Earthquake Zone
If you live in an earthquake-prone area, also do the following:
- Check chimneys, roofs, walls, foundations for stability (making sure the house is bolted to the foundations.
- Secure water heater and appliances that could move enough to rupture utilities lines
- Keep breakables and heavy objects on bottom shelves.
- Secure heavy, tall furniture that could topple.
- Secure hanging plants, mirrors and heavy picture frames (especially over beds).
- Put latches on cupboard doors to keep them closed during shaking.
- Keep flammable or hazardous liquids such as paints, pesticides and cleaning products secured on bottom shelves or cupboards floors.
3. If Indooors
- If you are indoors stay there. You could be hit by falling debris outside.
- Take cover under an internal doorframe, table, bench or bed and hold onto it.
- Keep away from windows, chimneys and overhead fittings.
- If in a high riser building, stay away from windows and outer walls. Get under and hold on to a desk near a pillar or internal wall. Do not use elevators.
- If in a crowd public place or store, do not rush for the doors. Move away from overhead fittings or shelves containing heavy objects.
4. If Outdoors
- If outside, keep well clear of buildings, walls, power lines and trees.
- In a city street, of tall buildings, seek refuge under strong archways or doorways of buildings to avoid falling debris. Don't stand under awnings or parapets as they may collapse.
- If you are in a vehicle, pull off the road in a clear area until the earthquake is over. Beware of 'downed' power lines and road damage, including overpasses and bridges. Listen to your car radio for information before moving.
5. Injuries
Check for injuries. Apply first aid. Do not move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger.
Do not use the telephone immediately, unless there is a serious injury or fire (otherwise lines may become overloaded).
6. Watch for Hazards
- Turn off domestic stoves and heaters.
- Do not light matches until you have checked for gas or fuel leaks
- Check for water leaks, broken electrical wiring or sewerage lines. If there is damage, turn utility off at source.
Check building for cracks and damage, include roof, chimneys and foundation.
- Check food and water supplies. Do not wast these as fresh supplies may have been interrupted. Emergency water may be obtained from water heaters, melted ice cubes, toilet tanks and canned foods.
- Turn on your portable radio for instructions and news reports. Cooperate fully with emergency personnel.
- Do not use you vehicle unless there is an emergency (keeping the street clear for emergency vehicles).
- Do not go sightseeing or enter damaged buildings.
- Be prepared for aftershocks. Evacuate if necessary.
- Stay calm and lend a hand to others if possible.
Brought to you by your State/Territory Emergency Service.
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