Earthquakes

Before: make the plan

1. Secure tall furniture and heavy objects. Keep breakable items away from beds and exits.
2. Practise taking cover under a sturdy table. Include mobility aids, children, and pets in your planning.
3. Keep sturdy shoes and a torch within reach of your bed. Learn whether your coastal location is in a tsunami evacuation zone.

During: protect people

1. Drop to hands and knees if able, cover your head and neck, and hold on to sturdy shelter. Adapt the action to your mobility needs.
2. Stay inside if you are inside. Move away from windows without crossing a room full of falling objects.
3. If outdoors, move away from buildings, trees, and overhead wires if you can do so safely.

After: recover carefully

1. Expect aftershocks. Avoid damaged buildings and follow local instructions.
2. Near the coast, a strong or long earthquake is a natural tsunami warning. After shaking stops, move inland or uphill along your evacuation route.

Prepare an apartment around access, not floor space

Store a reachable torch and suitable shoes, and keep everyday routes through the apartment clear. Discuss furniture anchoring with the property manager when needed. Check the building’s emergency arrangements and how to leave when instructed. A bag by the door is useful for leaving later; it is not a reason to run outside during shaking.

Keep two layers of supplies

Plan supplies for staying home as well as a smaller bag you can carry if authorities require evacuation. Think through stairs, mobility equipment, pets and communication if lifts or networks are unavailable. Ask your building manager about assistance arrangements in advance. Use the household checklist to record actions, rather than treating a purchased kit as proof of readiness.

Tools for your plan

• Recent earthquake map
• Closest and latest earthquakes near you