Although Australia experiences few earthquakes by world standards, some states can experience short and long-term consequences in case it happens.
Experiencing intense shaking of the ground can be frightening, but with some preventative measures, you can reduce its impact. Be prepared for emergencies by learning what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.
What is an Earthquake
An earthquake is a phenomenon that consists of sudden, rapid shaking of the ground that can range from mild to violent. This happens when two blocks of the Earth slip past one another.
The sudden release of strain injury in the Earth’s crust may result in waves of shaking that radiate outwards from the source. When this happens, the intense vibrations (seismic waves) spread out from the initial point of ruptures and make the ground shake and travel large distances in all directions.
This makes earthquakes among the deadliest natural hazards not only in Australia but across the globe. Most of these natural events strike without warning and can lead to a terrible loss of human lives and untold economic costs.
Stay Safe During an Earthquake
Here are safety tips to keep everyone safe before, during, and after an earthquake.
Before:
- Make an emergency plan that serves as a way of communication even if you get separated from other family members.
- Prepare a supply kit that accommodates the number of people in your home. These include enough food and water for several days, an emergency flashlight, battery-operated radio, a fire extinguisher, and a radio.
- Protect your home and secure heavy items like televisions, refrigerators, bookcases, and objects than hang on walls. Store them on lower shelves to avoid accidental falling and breaking on the floor.
- Learn first aid and make sure you are trained to identify and treat possible injuries that may result from the earthquake.
During:
- Pull over the car and stop in the safest location. Set your parking bed.
- Stay away from buildings and anything that can fall over.
- When indoors, stay inside and do not run outside. If you are in bed when there is undeniable shaking to the ground, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
The specific actions to do during an earthquake are “drop, cover, and hold one.” Be prepared to take the next actions when the shaking stops.
After:
- One of the first things to do following a major disaster is to check for injuries and damages that require immediate attention. Make sure that you or someone in the home is trained in first aid and preliminary damage assessment techniques.
- Following an earthquake, establishing communication will be an important step in the recovery efforts. Adding a solar or hand-cranked powered radio is important as these can provide you with important information, safety advisories, and evacuation notices.
- Be prepared for aftershocks and expect after-effects following the main shock. If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building. Do not enter damaged buildings.
Be Prepared
It is important to note that the threat of an earthquake does not end immediately after the ground shaking happens. Other natural phenomena, such as aftershocks, landslides, and tsunamis, can occur.
With all this movement, even a minor earthquake can cause serious damage to both people and properties.
If you live in areas prone to earthquakes, we highly recommend keeping a first aid kit and learning first aid in case of accidents and injuries.
With First Aid Pro, you can take in-person classes or enroll in an online first aid course to get ahead of the game. The course will cover a variety of topics that you can incorporate into creating your own emergency response plan.
This way, you and your loved ones will always be prepared no matter what situation you find yourself in.
