Know your local risk and safety steps

ask your State/Territory Emergency Service (SES) for a free pamphlet showing our earthquake hazard zones

ask your neighbours, SES, council and insurance company whether earthquakes have ever occurred in your area and what damage resulted

check that your insurance covers earthquake damage

if building, seek expert advice on the depth and type of foundations and construction to suit your soil conditions

check and repair cracks in walls or gaps in mortar between bricks in existing buildings

move chairs and beds clear of hanging items (eg ceiling fans, pot plants, paintings or mirrors)

brace free-standing bookshelves, water heaters, etc

store breakables, heavy items and hazardous liquids (eg pesticides, cleaning fluids, paint) on bottom shelves

secure cupboard doors with strong latches

have an emergency kit which includes: a portable radio and torch with fresh batteries containers of fresh water, canned food supplies a first aid kit and instruction manual

plan together where your family will meet if separated

know the safest areas during earthquakes (see below)

list emergency phone numbers for police, SES, fire, ambulance and gas, power and water suppliers

During the earth quake

if indoors, stay there (clear of falling debris outside)

keep clear of windows, chimneys and overhead fittings

shelter under (and hold) a door frame, table, bench, etc

in high rise buildings, stay clear of windows and outer walls. Get under a desk near a pillar or internal wall

do not use elevators/lifts

in crowded areas or stores, do not rush for the doors. Move clear of overhead fittings and shelves

if outside, keep well clear of buildings, overhead structures, walls, bridges, power lines, trees etc

in a city street, shelter from falling debris under strong archways or doorways of buildings

don't go under awnings or parapets as they may collapse

if in a vehicle, stop in an open area until the shaking stops. Beware of fallen power lines, damaged roads, including overpasses and bridges; and landslides. Listen to your car radio for warnings before moving

During the earth quake - Watch for the hazarda and tend to injuries like this

turn off electricity, gas, water. Do not light matches and check for gas or fuel leaks and damaged wiring

check for injuries. Apply first aid. Do not move the seriously injured unless in immediate danger

check for broken water, sewerage or electrical mains

do not use telephone immediately (to avoid congestion) unless there is a serious injury or a fire etc

check for cracks/damage in roof, walls, chimneys, etc

expect aftershocks. Evacuate if the building is damaged

listen to the local radio and heed warnings or advice on damage, service disruptions and evacuation

do not waste food and water as supplies may be interrupted. Collect emergency water from heaters, ice cubes, toilet tanks and canned foods

avoid driving unless for emeregency (keep streets free)

do not go sight-seeing or enter damaged buildings

stay calm and help others if possible