Here in Australia, we’re safer from earthquakes than other regions. But they do occur. According to research by GeoScience Australia, there has been about one earthquake measuring magnitude 2.0 or greater every day in Australia over the last decade. And if you were alive in 1989, you might remember that on 28 December, Australia wasn't so lucky. Thirteen people were killed and more than 160 injured after a magnitude 5.6 ‘quake shook Newcastle, New South Wales.

And let’s not forget our neighboring countries like USA (particularly on the West Coast), NZ, Japan, Bali, or PNG when you’re on holidays. Recently, a group of colleagues were in Lae, PNG when a 7.2 ‘quake hit. Most of them didn’t know what to do. One of them admitted he was thinking of jumping off the 2nd storey balcony where he was staying!

So that leaves us with the question: what should you do if faced with a serious earthquake? The Victorian SES has some good advice on the issue.

If you’re indoors during an earthquake ensure you do the following:

DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other 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.
Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. 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.
Don’t use a doorway except if you know it’s a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway and it’s close to you. Many inside doorways are lightly constructed and do not offer protection.
Stay inside until the shaking stops and it’s safe to go outside. Don’t 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.
DO NOT use the elevators.
Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

If you’re outdoors during an earthquake you should:

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.

If you’re 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.

If you’re trapped under debris:

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.

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