How to protect yourself in an earthquake

The 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Victoria is a reminder that Australia, too, faces seismic risks. Would you know what to do if you were caught in an earthquake?

Staff at the British Geological Survey, in Edinburgh look at graph showing the earthquake which occurred in North East Lincolnshire Feb 27, 2008 in Scotland. Source: Getty Images Europe

Highlights

• Most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave
• If you are outdoors move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires
• If you are driving, stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle

The magnitude 5.9 earthquake in Victoria had reports of tremors felt across Melbourne and as far away as Sydney, Canberra, and Tasmania.

For those who experienced it, it was certainly scary. Would you know what to do if you were caught up in one?

Damage to the exterior of Betty’s Burgers on Chapel Street in Windsor following an earthquake, Melbourne, Wednesday, September 22, 2021. Source: AAP Image/James Ross

According to Geoscience Australia, each year an average 100 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or more are recorded in Australia.

The last major earthquake in Australia was the 5.6 Newcastle earthquake in 1989 which caused serious devastation. 

If you are indoors

According to Victoria State Emergency Service’s website, if you are indoors during an earthquake:

• Drop to the ground; take cover by getting under a sturdy table or another piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.


• If you are in bed when the earthquake strikes, stay in bed. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.

• Do not use a doorway except if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway and it is close to you. Many inside doorways are lightly constructed and do not offer protection.

• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not exit a building during the shaking. 
• Do not use the elevators.


Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave - Victoria State Emergency Service

If you are outdoors

According to Victoria State Emergency Service’s website, if you are outdoors during an earthquake, ensure you do the following:

• Stay there.
 Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.

• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.
• The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls.


“Earthquakes don’t kill people, buildings do," says Associate Professor Iftekhar Ahmed from the School of Architecture and Built Environment at the University of Newcastle.

Emergency services on scene after Betty’s Burgers on Chappel Street in Windsor was damaged following an earthquake, Melbourne, Wednesday, September 22, 2021. Source: AAP Image/James Ross

Many Australian cities have unreinforced brick masonry (URM) buildings in their central business district which were built long before earthquake design requirements were in place.

"Those which have parapets along their front pose high life safety risk to the public," says Professor Michael Griffith, from the School of Structural Engineering at the University of Adelaide.

"Australia has not mandated that existing buildings be strengthened against earthquake loads."

If you are driving

According to Victoria State Emergency Service’s website, if you are in a moving vehicle during an earthquake:

• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle.
• Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.

• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.


Source: Taras Makarenko/Pexels

If you are trapped under debris

If you are trapped under debris during or after an earthquake:

• Do not light a match.

• Do not move around or kick up dust.

• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available.
• Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
 

If you own a pet

Companion animal owners should check that their animals are safe and secure, explains Dr Anne Quain from the University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science. 

"Animals may be startled by earthquakes, and as a result they may bark, or howl or may hide or seek safety through escape behaviours," Dr Qain says. 

"It is important that all companion animal owners ensure their microchip details are up to date so that if their pet is found they can be reunited as soon as possible," she added.

You can find information here on what to do if you have been affected by an earthquake.