(Content provided by: Department of Emergency Services, Queensland)
What you should do
Know your local earthquake risk
What you should do
Ask your local Council if whether tremors or earthquakes have ever occurred in your area and what damage resulted.
Study that information and ask your local Council about ways to make your house safer in the event of an earthquake.
Find out how and where to turn off power, gas and water supplies.
Plan together where your family will meet if separated.
Know your safe areas during an earthquake.
Check that you have adequate household and contents insurance and which hazards are not covered by the policy.
Watch for possible warning signs
Erratic animal behavior - scared or confused pets or birdcalls not usually heard at night may indicate that an earthquake is imminent.
Ground water levels - Watch for sudden water level changes in wells or artesian bores.
When an earthquake hits
If you are indoors - stay there (clear of falling debris outside). Keep clear of windows, chimneys and overhead fittings. Shelter under and hold onto a door frame, strong table or bench.
In high rise buildings, stay clear of windows and outer walls. Shelter under a desk near a pillar or internal wall.
DO NOT use elevators.
In crowded areas or stores, do not rush for doors, but move clear of overhead fittings and shelves.
If outside, keep well clear of buildings, overhead structures, walls, bridges, powerlines, trees etc.
In a city street, shelter from falling debris under strong archways or doorways of buildings. Don't go under awnings as they may collapse.
In a vehicle, stop in an open area until shaking stops.
Beware of downed power-lines and road damage, including overpasses and bridges. Listen to your car radio for warnings before moving.
After an earthquake
Turn off electricity, gas, water and DO NOT light matches until after you have checked for gas or fuel leaks.
Check for injuries and apply first aid. DO NOT move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger.
Check for broken water, sewerage or electrical mains.
DO NOT use the telephone immediately (to avoid congestion) unless there is a life threatening situation.
Check for cracks and damage to the roof, chimney etc.
Evacuate the building if it is badly damaged and be prepared for aftershocks.
Do not waste food and water as supplies may be interrupted. Collect emergency water from heaters, ice cubes, toilet tanks and canned foods.
Listen to your local radio station and heed warnings and advice on damage and service disruptions.
Try to avoid driving unless for an emergency (to keep the streets free for emergency services).