Insurance
Check that your insurance covers earthquakes
Local risk
Know your local earthquake risk.
Radio and torch
Keep a battery powered radio and torch close to your bed.
Areas to shelter
Identify the safest areas to shelter both inside and outside your home
Pantry supplies
Keep your pantry stocked with at least 72 hours of bottled water and non-perishable food.
Learn what to do in an earthquake
Learn what to do in an earthquake. Think about possible power outages and injuries.
Teach children about earthquakes
Teach children to drop, cover and hold.
Remove hazards for elderly.
Remove all hazards and make it as easy as possible to quickly get under a sturdy table or desk for protection
Anchor special equipment for elderly or disabled
Anchor any special equipment needed such as telephones or life support systems.
Cots and bassinettes
Be sure to place cots and bassinettes away from windows, bookcases or shelves that could slide or topple.
Install latches on all cupboards
Install latches on all cupboards and (not just those young children can reach) to prevent falling objects.
Cots and bassinettes in an earthquake
Place padding around cots or bassinettes to protect babies from the earthquake's shaking.
Brace freestanding furniture
Brace freestanding furniture and clear items that hang over beds.
Check your garage door
Check that your garage door is strong enough to withstand an earthquake
Exterior corrosion
Inspect your home’s exterior for any corrosion, rotten timber or loose fittings.
Secure ornaments
Secure ornaments and small objects.
Secure objects on your wall
Secure pictures, mirrors and any wall art.
Secure outdoor equipment
Make sure your hot water system, rainwater tanks and other outdoor equipment are fixed securely.
Water cylinder
Understand how to access water from your hot water cylinder in an emergency
Secure appliances
Secure appliances like microwaves, TVs and computers.
Positive-catching latches
Use positive-catching latches on cupboard doors and drawers. Make sure these latches aren’t magnetic, as they will not hold during a quake. Child-proof latches with a mechanical action are best.
Flexible gas and plumbing fittings
Install flexible gas and plumbing fittings to prevent breaks or leaks during an earthquake.
Get together with your fellow tenants
Plan and understand what your building procedures are in case of earthquakes. Ask your Property Manager to prepare your building for earthquakes by checking your apartment block’s exterior for any corrosion.
Prepare your apartment building
Discuss preparation with fellow tenants and your body corporate or building manager. Organise to check your apartment block’s exterior for any corrosion.
Glass windows and doors
Consider replacing or covering glass windows and doors with sturdier material.
Outdoor sheds and buildings
Ensure any sheds or outdoor buildings are secure and if possible, reinforced to exceed building regulations.
Loose items
Ensure loose items around your property are secured.
Livestock identification
If you have livestock, ensure all animal have durable and visible identification.
Livestock emergency kit
Consider preparing an emergency kit for livestock to store in sheds or vehicles.