Earthquakes in the Canberra Region - Geoscience Australia

Earthquakes in the Canberra RegionAPPENDIX 2: EARTHQUAKE ACTION GUIDEThis information is provided by courtesy of the Disaster Awareness Program,Emergency Management Australia.If your area has an earthquake history or potential, this advice could help save you injuryand distress.Know your local earthquake risk.Ask your State/Territory Emergency Service (S/TES), council and insurancecompany for this information:• Whether tremors or earthquakes have ever occurred in your area and what damageresulted.• Ask your S/TES for a free pamphlet and/or poster which show Australia's earthquakerisk zones.• Study that information and ask your council about ways to make your house safer in anearthquake.• Check that your insurance covers earthquake damage.Emergency kit and check listDuring and after an earthquake you will need:• A portable radio and torch with fresh batteries.• Candles, matches and containers of fresh water.• A first aid kit and basic first aid knowledge.• Plan together where your family will meet if separated.• Know your safe areas during an earthquake (see below).• Your emergency contact numbers. For life threatening situations (police, fire,ambulance) 000. For other emergency numbers, see your phone book.Watch for possible warning signs• Erratic animal behaviour - Scared, confused pets running about, or bird calls notusually heard at night.• Ground water levels - Watch for sudden water level changes in wells or artesian bores.During the earthquake• If indoors, stay there (clear of falling debris outside). Keep clear of windows, chimneysand 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 apillar or internal wall.• Do not use elevators.• In crowded areas or stores, do not rush for doors. Move clear of overhead fittings andshelves.• 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 ofbuildings. Don't go under awnings or parapets as they may collapse.• If in a vehicle, stop in an open area until shaking stops. Beware of 'downed' power linesand road damage, including overpasses and bridges. Listen to your car radio for warningsbefore moving.31