An earthquake is the shaking and vibration at the surface of the Earth caused by underground movement along a fault plane, or by volcanic activity. A fault plane is a weak point within a tectonic plate where the pressure can be released.
Unlike other countries such as Japan, New Zealand and Indonesia, Australia does not lie in close proximity to a tectonic plate boundary where large earthquakes can occur.
However, history shows us that communities in Australia including Victoria can still experience damaging and deadly earthquakes. On 21 September 2021, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in Victoria caused approximately $113 million in damage. Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers responded to over 100 calls for emergency assistance.
While earthquakes can’t be predicted, you can still be prepared by knowing what to do if an earthquake occurs: Drop, cover and hold on.
For emergency earthquake assistance, call SES on 132 500.
For life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000).
If you are indoors during an earthquake:
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Drop, cover and hold on:
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Drop to the ground.
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Take cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture.
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Hold on until the shaking stops.
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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.
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Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not exit a building during the shaking. 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.
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Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
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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.
If you are outdoors during an earthquake:
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Stay there.
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Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
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Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls.
If you are in a moving vehicle during an earthquake:
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Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle.
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Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
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Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
If you are using a wheelchair or walker:
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Lock and brake your wheelchair or walker.
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Cover your head and neck with a pillow, book, or whatever is available.
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Hold on until the shaking stops.
After an earthquake:
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It is not uncommon for aftershocks to occur. If you are you are impacted by an aftershock – drop, cover and hold on.
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Stay safe by avoiding damaged buildings, fallen and damaged trees and powerlines, blocked or damaged roads and other hazards.
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Do not use elevators or lifts.
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Electricity, gas and water supplies may be disrupted. If your property has been damaged, have all utilities checked and tested by a licenced technician before you use them.
The Great ShakeOut
The Great ShakeOut is a global earthquake readiness program that encourages millions of people worldwide to participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home.
As the control agency for earthquake, VICSES leads supporting this initiative in Victoria, promoting the important safety steps of drop, cover, and hold on.
Find out more here: ses.vic.gov.au/great-shakeout-earthquake-drill
Further information:
Find out more information on earthquake safety by visiting the VICSES website: ses.vic.gov.au/earthquake
For general information on earthquakes and to view earthquakes in Australia, visit the Geoscience Australia website:earthquakes.ga.gov.au
