Key Takeaways – Earthquake Preparedness
- Earthquake Risks Are Real: Any seismic event, not just “The Big One” (magnitude 6.7+), can damage homes, surrounding areas, and cause injuries—making preparedness essential.
- Home Damage Prevention: Secure heavy furniture and appliances; know that unreinforced structures and falling objects pose significant hazards during quakes.
- Surrounding Area Safety: Identify safe open spaces to evacuate post-quake; anticipate potential disruptions to electricity, water, and transport infrastructure.
- Injury Awareness: Falling debris, head injuries, and trip hazards are common during quakes. Learn Drop, Cover, and Hold On procedures to minimise harm.
- Secondary Hazards: Be alert to aftershocks, landslides, and tsunamis that can follow primary seismic events, potentially worsening damage and injury risk.
- Emergency Planning: Establish a family earthquake plan with meeting points, contact protocols, and out-of-area emergency contacts to ensure communication and safety.
- Emergency Kit Essentials: Stock 72-hour supplies including food, water, first-aid kit, flashlight, batteries, radio, and water purification tablets for survival post-quake.
- Safe Zones Identification: Know the safest areas in your home (interior walls, under sturdy furniture) and avoid dangerous zones (windows, high shelves).
- Utility and Cash Preparedness: Learn to turn off gas and water; keep cash and essential documents in waterproof/fireproof storage in case electronic payment systems fail.
- First-Aid Readiness: Equip yourself with basic first-aid and CPR skills via CPR First Aid courses to respond to injuries caused by earthquakes or evacuation situations.
Earthquakes in Australia may be less frequent than in other parts of the world, but they can still cause serious damage when they strike. Events such as the 1989 Newcastle earthquake and more recent tremors in Victoria have shown why earthquake preparedness in Australia matters.
Knowing how to prepare for an earthquake can make all the difference. From building an earthquake emergency plan to creating a first aid kit and securing heavy furniture, being ready helps protect your family, pets, and property.
This guide explains everything you need to stay safe — including practical tips for home and workplace safety and first aid training.
Possible Damages of Quakes
Before we discuss the necessary preparations people can make, let’s consider the possible damages these seismic activities can cause. This will help people understand why preparations are needed in the first place.
Damages to a Home
The first thing to address is the possible damage quakes can cause to a home. If not secured well, the shaking floor can damage many items, such as bookshelves, appliances, or anything in your cupboards. The quake can shake up everything in your house and leave it in disarray.
Furthermore, and more dangerously, the quake can bring the house’s roof down and trap people inside.
Damage to Surrounding Areas
Next, we have the potential damage to surrounding areas. One of the best things to do during a quake is to hide under a table. Once the earthquake and the aftershocks have stopped, one should head out and seek a large field where things can’t fall on you.
However, heading out would be much more complex if the surrounding area were damaged. Furthermore, if the magnitude was intense, it could knock out an area’s electricity and water services.
Injuries
Another damage that quakes cause is injuries. These could be from falling objects or the quake shaking people around, causing them to fall and hit their heads. It is possible to avoid these by following the safety procedures during a quake.
Landslides
Landslides generally happen after a quake has passed, as the ground shaking can cause cracks and weak areas in the land to give in. This results in much dirt, rocks, and debris falling from the above area.
This could bury people or cars caught in the landslide or prevent people from travelling along a particular path. It is essential to be aware of this so you do not go near any landslide-prone areas.
Tsunamis
Lastly, we have tsunamis. These are massive waves created by earthquakes. The ground shaking causes the water to displace and create a tsunami.
This could damage areas near the shore and boats caught in the open water.
What is an Earthquake Emergency Plan?
A household plan ensures every member knows what to do when the ground shakes, reducing panic, improving safety, and speeding recovery.
Create a Plan
The first thing to do is create an earthquake plan. This plan should include a designated meeting spot and a plan for if someone gets separated from the group or family.
It is also helpful to have an out-of-state or out-of-country contact that everyone in the family can call in case of a quake. This way, people can check in and tell their loved ones they are safe.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
The second preparation is to create an emergency kit.
It is essential to have enough supplies for at least 72 hours. This is because help may not arrive immediately after a quake. In addition, one should prepare items that will help one survive.
For instance, water purification tablets will be helpful once the three-day water supply runs out. If the quake is terrible, it could destroy any potential drinking water sources. The tablets allow you to transform any water into a potable source.
Essential First-Aid Items
- Sterile dressings and gauze, adhesive bandages
- Antiseptic wipes or solution
- Splinting supplies (rigid supports, elastic bandages)
- Gloves (non-latex preferred), scissors, tweezers
- CPR face shield or mask
- Emergency thermal blanket
Additional Supplies: Water, Food, Pets, Meds
- At least 3 days’ (ideally 7) supply of water, approximately 4 L per person per day.
- Non-perishable food items such as canned goods, energy bars, baby formula if needed.
- Pet supplies such as food, water, carrier, leash.
- Spare medications and copies of prescriptions.
- Torch, spare batteries, battery-powered or crank radio, multi-tool or Swiss knife.
- Copies of key documents like ID, insurance, emergency contacts, household plan.
Identify Safe Areas
Another way to prepare is by identifying safe areas in the house. These are places where there is a lesser chance of something falling on you, like under a table or against an interior wall.
It is also essential to know which areas to avoid. These would be places like windows or parts of the house with many things high up that may fall and cause possible head injuries.
Drop, Cover, and Hold On
- Drop to your hands and knees before the shaking knocks you down.
- Cover your head and neck, and if possible, crawl under sturdy furniture (e.g., a dining table) and hold on.
- Hold On to the shelter until the shaking stops — your table may move, but stay underneath it if it does.
If no furniture is available, move to an interior wall, stay away from windows and exterior walls, and protect your head and neck with your arms.
Know How to Turn Off Utilities
Turning off utilities like gas and water may sometimes be necessary. If the pipes have cracks or damage, gas or water could leak.
Knowing how to turn these utilities off before a quake occurs is essential. This will prevent further damage.
Have Cash on Hand
Lastly, having cash on hand is always a good idea. After a quake, ATMs and credit card machines may not work correctly.
So, it is always best to have cash with you if you need to buy supplies or food.
In addition, it may be worthwhile to place essential documents in a fireproof and waterproof bag. This way, you can take it along with the cash and secure it as you flee your home.
What to Do During an Earthquake
Indoors
Use the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method described above. Avoid exterior walls, windows, tall furniture and hanging objects.
Outdoors
Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, power lines or cliffs. Drop, cover your head and neck, and stay put until shaking ends.
In a Vehicle
If safe, pull over to a clear area away from overpasses, bridges, trees or wires. Stop, keep the seatbelt on and remain inside until shaking stops.
What to Do After an Earthquake
Be Prepared For Aftershocks
- Be ready for aftershocks. They are common after an earthquake and can cause further damage.
- Check structures for damage before re-entering buildings; move outdoors if you suspect instability.
- Avoid using elevators until they’ve been checked for safety.
Check for Hazards and Administer First Aid
- Check for gas leaks, broken water lines, electrical hazards and downed wires. Turn off utilities if safe to do so.
- Administer first aid: stop any bleeding, immobilise fractures, treat for shock and call 000 if serious injury, unconsciousness or severe damage is present.
- Use your earthquake first aid kit supplies and ensure injured people are safe until professional help arrives.
Conclusion
While Australia’s earthquake risk may be lower than many regions around the world, no area is completely immune and planning ahead matters.
Having an earthquake emergency plan, a well-stocked first aid kit, identified safe spots and training in first aid and CPR will arm you with the tools and confidence to respond when the ground shakes. Enrol in a first aid course today—because when seconds count, preparedness makes all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do we really need an earthquake plan in Australia?
Yes. Although major earthquakes are less frequent, they do occur — and having a plan means you’ll respond quickly, not panic.
Q: How often should we review our family emergency plan?
At least once a year or after any major change (moving home, new member, pet, etc.).
Q: Can I use the same first-aid kit for earthquakes and other emergencies?
Absolutely. Just ensure your kit has items suited for quake emergencies (splints, trauma dressings, water, torch).
Q: What’s the first thing to do when the ground shakes?
Drop, Cover and Hold On — under a sturdy table if possible — and stay safe inside until the shaking stops.
Q: Where can I learn earthquake-specific first aid and CPR?
Look for accredited first-aid training providers in your state offering courses that cover emergency response for disasters and injuries.