Before, During & After an Earthquake

 

Organise some Emergency Survival Items

Ensure you have an adequate supply of stored emergency water

Take out insurance against earthquake damage and keep it up to date

Ensure your house is tied to its foundation piles

Secure your water cylinder and header tank, check that your chimney is secure

Keep important documents in a sturdy watertight container

Secure bookshelves and heavy furniture to the wall or floor

Secure kitchen appliances and stereo equipment in place with Velcro

Secure ceiling panels and hanging items such as mirrors and pictures

Lower shelving to door height and place all heavy items close to the floor

Add shelf lips high enough to prevent objects from being dislodged

Fix strong catches to cupboards, especially in the kitchen

Ensure everyone in the house can identify the safest places in all rooms

Identify potential hazards in your home and remedy if possible

Move anything which may block an escape route

Remove cleaners from toilet cisterns (a potential source of drinking water)

 

During the Earthquake

• Inside at home - stay there! Get under a table and hold onto the legs.
• Brace yourself in a doorway if there is nothing to shelter under.
• If no support available, drop, crouch and cover your head with your hands.
• In the kitchen, turn off the stove at the wall and leave the room.
• In a high-rise - move away from windows and outside walls.
• Stay on the same floor and do not use elevators.
• In a lift - stop and get out at the nearest floor.
• In a car - pull over clear of power poles and power lines - stay in the car.
• Inside a public place - do not rush for the exit as everyone else will.
• Stay clear of display shelves and large windows.
• Outside - move to an open area, away from buildings and power lines.
• Outside in the city - take cover in a doorway - do not run into the street.

 

After the Earthquake

 

• Be aware of aftershocks which may cause further damage.
• Check others around you for injuries and assist if possible.
• Turn off the electricity, gas and water at the mains.
• Check the building for damage - do not use fireplaces if chimney cracked.
• Tune your transistor radio to a local station still broadcasting.
• Follow any instructions given on behalf of the relevant authorities.
• Put out small fires or confine them as much as possible and evacuate.
• Clean up spillages of toxic or flammable materials as much as possible.
• Do not touch broken appliances or downed power lines.
• Open cupboards and closets cautiously - beware of tumbling objects.
• Check on your neighbours, preferably with someone else.
• Do not enter a badly damaged building.
• Do not use the telephone unless life is in immediate danger.