Key Takeaways: Earthquake Preparedness in Adelaide & Australia

Earthquakes in Australia – Most are minor, but major events like the 1906 Adelaide earthquake (7.9 magnitude) highlight the importance of readiness.
Have an Emergency Plan – Know safe locations, evacuation routes, and how to turn off gas, water, and electricity.
Create an Earthquake Preparedness Kit – Stock at least 3 days’ worth of food, water, and first aid supplies.
10 Must-Have Items – Include a first aid kit, flashlight, battery-powered radio, non-perishable food, water, whistle, multi-tool, extra clothes, blanket, and emergency contacts.
Kit Maintenance – Rotate food and water every six months, check batteries, and keep items updated and functional.
Smart Storage – Store kits in easily accessible yet safe places like under a bed or in a closet, using waterproof containers.
First Aid for Earthquake Injuries – Learn how to treat cuts, broken bones, head injuries, and internal bleeding until help arrives.
Stay Informed – Monitor local earthquake alerts and hazard maps to understand high-risk areas in Adelaide and beyond.
First Aid Training Advantage – Having a trained first aider in the household or workplace greatly improves emergency response.
CPR First Aid Training in Adelaide – CPR First Aid (RTO 21903) offers nationally recognised first aid and CPR courses to prepare you for emergencies.

Earthquakes can happen anytime and without warning, so it’s essential to be prepared. In addition to having a plan for what to do during an earthquake, you should also have a kit packed with the necessary supplies in an emergency. Here are some tips on what to include in your earthquake preparedness kit.

What to Pack in My Earthquake Preparedness Kit

Earthquakes can happen suddenly and without warning, even in places like Adelaide where most tremors are minor but occasional stronger events do occur. Having an earthquake preparedness kit ready ensures that you and your family have the supplies to stay safe, healthy, and comfortable until help arrives. A well-prepared kit is more than just a box of items — it’s peace of mind and a vital part of your household’s emergency plan

Why You Need an Earthquake Preparedness Kit

The importance of an earthquake preparedness kit cannot be overstated. While most Australian earthquakes are relatively small, history shows us that larger quakes can cause serious disruption. The 1954 Adelaide earthquake, for example, measured 5.4 and caused widespread structural damage. If a stronger event were to strike, it could easily cut off electricity, water, and road access for several days.
A 72-hour earthquake kit ensures that you and your household can remain self-sufficient while emergency services respond. By preparing in advance, you’ll have the emergency kit essentials needed to cover food, water, medical supplies, and personal comfort.

Core Supplies for Your Kit

Water & Food

Water is the single most important survival resource. Every person in your household should have access to a 3 day water supply, which means at least four litres per person per day. This covers both drinking and basic sanitation needs. In addition to bottled water, you may also want to include water purification tablets or a portable filter in case local supplies are contaminated.

Food should be simple, long-lasting, and ready to eat. Stock non-perishable food items like canned beans, vegetables, tuna, peanut butter, muesli bars, and dried fruit. Don’t forget a manual can opener, as electric options won’t work during power outages. If you have pets, keep a supply of their food too.

First Aid & Medical

A first aid kit is essential for treating cuts, scrapes, or more serious injuries caused by falling objects. Make sure it includes bandages, sterile gauze, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, pain relief tablets, and disposable gloves.

In addition, keep any prescription medications your household requires, ideally with at least a week’s supply. Consider adding a basic first aid manual or enrolling in a first aid course so you’re confident in using the supplies when needed.

Power & Communication

Earthquakes often bring power cuts. To stay safe and informed, include:

A battery-powered radio for official updates.
Extra sets of batteries.
A flashlight (avoid candles, which can be fire hazards).
A power bank or solar charger for keeping phones operational.

Communication is critical. A whistle is also a small but powerful tool to signal rescuers if you’re trapped or need help.

Tools & Shelter

Certain tools can make all the difference in a disrupted environment:

Multi-purpose tools such as a pocket knife or pliers.
A manual can opener for tinned food.
Dust masks to filter out debris or smoke.
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to create a temporary shelter.
A torch and matches in waterproof packaging for backup light.
A sleeping bag or blanket for each person will provide warmth if you’re forced to stay outdoors or in an unheated space.

Personal & Family Items

Don’t overlook the small items that can help restore normality in an emergency:

Copies of documents such as IDs, insurance papers, and medical records in a waterproof pouch.
A small stash of cash, as ATMs and EFTPOS may not function.
A clothing change, including sturdy shoes, socks, and warm layers.
Personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, soap, feminine products, and hand sanitiser.
Entertainment for children, such as a small toy, colouring book, or cards.

Additional Items for Specific Needs

Every household is unique, and your earthquake emergency supplies should reflect that. Consider:

Infant care: nappies, baby formula, bottles, wipes, and comfort items.
Elderly or disabled family members: mobility aids, hearing aid batteries, or medical equipment.
Pet supplies: food, water bowls, leashes, and any medications.

How to Maintain Your Kit

Building a kit is only the first step — you need to keep it current. Every six months, rotate kit supplies by replacing food, water, and medications before they expire. Check torch batteries, test radios, and restock anything that has been used.

Review your family’s emergency plan during this process to make sure everyone remembers what to do. Practising these steps keeps the household calm and confident when a real emergency occurs.

Where to Keep Your Kit

Your earthquake preparedness kit should be stored in a safe but accessible location. Popular choices include:

At home: under a bed, in a front hall cupboard, or in a sturdy box near an exit.
In the car: a smaller kit with water, snacks, and first aid for when you’re on the move.
At work: a desk drawer or locker can hold essential items if an earthquake strikes during office hours.
Store items in a waterproof container to protect against damage.

First Aid Emergencies During an Earthquake

There are a few common first-aid emergencies that can occur during an earthquake:

Cuts and bruises

You can treat cuts and bruises caused by falling debris during an earthquake by doing the following:

Clean the wound with soap and water.
Apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding.
Apply a bandage to the wound.
Repeat steps 2-3 if necessary.

Broken bones

If someone has a broken bone from a fall or a collapsing building during an earthquake, it is essential to seek medical help immediately. Here are some first-aid steps that can be taken in the meantime:

Stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound.
Immobilise the injured limb with a splint or sling.
Apply ice to the area to help reduce swelling.
Keep the injured person warm and comfortable until medical help arrives.

Head injuries

If someone has a head injury from being hit by a falling object during an earthquake, follow these steps:

Check for signs of bleeding.
Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth if bleeding occurs.
If the person is not bleeding, gently examine the injured area for any obvious deformities.
If there are no deformities, immobilise the head and neck with a stabilisation device such as a neck collar or rolled-up towel.
Seek medical attention immediately.

Internal bleeding

During an earthquake, it’s critical to seek immediate medical attention for anyone who has been hurt and is bleeding internally after being crushed by objects or structures. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help manage the situation:

Try to remain calm and avoid moving the person around too much. This will help to minimise internal bleeding.
If possible, prop the patient up with pillows or blankets to help reduce the pressure on his or her internal organs.
Apply direct pressure to any cuts or wounds that are bleeding. This will help to control the bleeding.
If the patient has a severe headache or abdominal pain, this could be indicative of a ruptured spleen or liver. Apply direct pressure to the affected area and call for medical help.
If there is shortness of breath, this could indicate a punctured lung.
Keep an eye on your level of pain and alertness. If either starts to decline, this could indicate internal bleeding.
Keep the patient hydrated by letting him or her drink small sips of water or clear fluids. Avoid caffeine or alcohol, as they can worsen the situation.

If you cannot get professional medical help immediately, call 000 or your local Adelaide emergency number for more information.

In conclusion, families, businesses, or establishments in Adelaide must always have a disaster preparedness kit ready, as disasters can happen anytime. It would also be favourable if a member of the household or workplace is trained in first aid practices in the event accidents happen.

CPR First Aid (RTO 21903) is a leading provider of compliant first aid courses across Australia. From first aid training, a CPR refresher course, advance first aid courses and more, CPRFA offers various courses that will no doubt benefit you.Contact us for more information about first aid training at Level 1/174 Gilles St, Adelaide 5000, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for an earthquake – and readying the earthquake preparedness kit – gives you the ability to withstand the disruption of a natural disaster. By including water, food, medical supplies, power sources, and personal essentials, you’ll create a 72-hour earthquake kit that covers all bases. Maintaining and updating your kit ensures it’s always ready when you need it most.

Equally important is having the knowledge to respond effectively in an emergency. Taking a first aid course or a CPR course through CPR First Aid in Adelaide means you’ll know how to care for injuries until professional help arrives.

Disasters can happen anytime, but being prepared is within your control. Start today by building your kit, training your household, and making earthquake readiness part of your safety plan.

What Should I Pack in My Earthquake Preparedness Kit?