How to Stay Safe During an Earthquake or Aftershock – Australia

Imagine this: You’re sitting at home in Ballarat or working at the station when the ground suddenly rumbles—books wobble, windows shake, and for a few unsettling seconds, nothing feels steady. Whether you’re a parent making dinner, a renter in a Melbourne apartment, a farmer out bush, or a firefighter on shift, earthquakes and aftershocks can be unnerving, especially when you least expect them.

Australia isn’t immune to earthquakes, and while major tremors are rare, even smaller shakes can cause real risks—from falling shelves to damaged roads and power outages. For fire crews, incident controllers, and community wardens, the uncertainty adds a whole new layer to planning and response. And for families, renters, and people new to preparedness, the suddenness can feel overwhelming.

This guide covers everything you need to know—how to prepare, what to do during a quake or aftershock, how to help others, and how to recover safely. We’ll walk you through step-by-step actions, common mistakes, simple packing guides, and answers to real questions. You’ll find calm, practical advice for all ages and backgrounds—plus relatable stories and lessons from both households and frontline emergency teams.

If you want added peace of mind, a Safety Grab Bag is a great way to keep your essentials ready for any emergency—whether you’re at home, on the road, or managing a crew on the fireground.

Preparation starts long before the ground shakes. The steps you take now can protect you, your family, pets, and property—or, for fire crews, your teammates and those you serve. Preparation isn’t about paranoia—it’s about feeling confident, calm, and ready to act when it matters.

• Know your local risks: Even if you live far from a major fault line, tremors can still cause damage. Areas like Victoria, South Australia, and parts of NSW experience regular minor earthquakes.
• Secure your space: Fasten bookshelves, TVs, and cabinets to the wall. Store heavy items on lower shelves. Keep clear escape paths and avoid placing beds near windows or heavy mirrors.
• Make a simple earthquake plan: Agree on safe spots (under a sturdy table, away from windows), a meeting place outside, and contacts. Make sure everyone knows what to do—kids, elderly, and visitors too.
• Prepare your grab bag: Include a torch, first aid kit, water, snacks, a phone charger, and a copy of important documents. Fire crews should have a designated kit in each appliance and station.
• Pets and accessibility: Make plans for pets, and ensure supplies or medication for anyone elderly or disabled are easy to grab in a hurry.
• Know your building: If you’re in a high-rise or older structure, check with the owner or body corporate about earthquake-safe areas and emergency exits. Firefighters: Know your turnout gear’s location and keep exits clear of equipment.

At Home or Work:

• Drop, Cover, Hold On: Get down, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows, mirrors, and things that could fall (like tall bookcases or TVs).
• If you’re in bed, stay put: Protect your head with a pillow. Only move if there’s something dangerous above you (e.g., glass light fittings).
• Don’t run outside during shaking: Most injuries happen from falling debris outside. It’s safer to stay where you are until the shaking ends.

On the Fireground, in Vehicles, or Out Bush:

• Fire crews: Stop appliances safely—avoid bridges, powerlines, and overpasses. Crew leaders: count off, check PPE, and stay clear of potential landslides or falling trees.
• If you’re driving: Pull over safely and park. Remain inside with seatbelt on until the shaking stops. Avoid stopping under overpasses, trees, or powerlines. Turn on your hazard lights if visibility is poor.
• Outdoors: Move away from buildings, trees, powerlines, and cliffs. Find a clear, open area and stay low.

Remember: Stay calm and breathe. Talk to others if you can—reassure kids, check on neighbours, and for crews, keep radios open for urgent instructions.

Aftershocks are common and can sometimes be as strong as the initial quake. Treat every tremor seriously—even if things seem calm, dangers may still be present.

• Expect aftershocks: Be prepared for more shaking. Stay in your safe spot until you’re sure it’s over, then check for hazards (gas leaks, broken glass, structural damage).
• Check for injuries and damage: Provide first aid if safe. Help those nearby, especially the elderly, children, and anyone who might need extra assistance. For crews, do a headcount and report via radio.
• Evacuate if necessary: If you smell gas, hear hissing, or see major damage, leave the building calmly and move to your planned meeting place.
• Limit phone use: Use texts or apps for updates—keep lines free for emergency services.
• Stay informed: Listen to ABC Emergency or check official apps and .gov.au websites for updates. Firefighters: monitor emergency channels and await further instructions before re-entering affected areas.
• Be ready to help: If safe, check on neighbours—especially anyone living alone, elderly, or with a disability.

Don’t re-enter damaged buildings until authorities declare them safe. For fire crews and emergency teams: never assume a structure is stable—wait for engineer or controller clearance before entering for search or rescue.

For Every Home, Workplace, and Crew:

• Essentials for your safety kit: Water (at least 3L/person), snacks, torch and batteries, first aid kit, personal meds, important documents (copies), radio, gloves, sturdy shoes, phone charger.
• Fire crews and emergency teams: Ensure each appliance and station has a grab bag—add gloves, hi-vis vests, dust masks, extra radios, and copies of call-out procedures.
• Families with kids or pets: Include comfort items (soft toy, blanket), pet leads, food, and care instructions. Label bags with names and key contacts.
• Renters and apartment dwellers: Ask your landlord/body corporate about emergency exits, muster points, and who to contact if utilities are damaged. Keep an extra set of keys in your kit.
• Elderly or disabled members: Keep extra medication, hearing aid batteries, glasses, and a written list of needs or supports in your kit. Plan who will check on you after a quake—don’t be afraid to ask neighbours or your local CFA/SES.
• Remote or rural: Include UHF radios, extra water, and keep vehicle fuelled and maintained. Write out evacuation plans and keep a laminated copy handy.

Every earthquake teaches new lessons. Here are real-world tips from homes, firegrounds, and workplaces across Australia:

• Don’t assume it won’t happen: Many Aussies are caught off guard, especially after long periods without activity. Even small tremors can topple furniture or cause panic.
• Practice your plan: Run through “Drop, Cover, Hold On” with your family or team at least twice a year. Familiarity reduces panic.
• Communicate: After the 2021 Melbourne quake, mobile networks jammed quickly. Text, use apps, or set up an out-of-area contact.
• Stay clear after shaking: Don’t rush outside—wait, look, and listen for danger. Fire crews: always check for power lines and gas leaks before entering a scene.
• Don’t re-enter until safe: Many injuries happen when people return to unstable buildings too soon. For fire crews, always follow controller/engineer advice.
• Support each other: Debrief with your family, team, or neighbours after an event. It’s normal to feel rattled—even seasoned firefighters get jumpy after major shakes.

Above all: Stay calm, act carefully, and look after one another. Recovery starts with the first kind word or steady hand—be that for someone else, or let others help you.

• Inspect carefully: Check buildings for cracks, leaning walls, broken glass, and gas or water leaks. Take photos for insurance. Don’t turn on power if you suspect wiring damage.
• Use official info: Tune into ABC Emergency or follow state government updates for alerts. For crews: only act on confirmed controller or agency instructions.
• Support your crew/family: Talk through what happened, share feelings, and seek help if anyone feels anxious or overwhelmed. If you need to talk, call Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).
• Help those at risk: Check on neighbours, especially elderly, disabled, or those living alone. Many communities have WhatsApp or phone trees for rapid check-ins.
• Restock and repair: Rebuild your kit, replace broken supplies, and make your home or station safer for next time. Consider joining your local CFA, SES, or community group to boost preparedness for everyone.

Recovery isn’t instant. Be kind to yourself and others, and celebrate small wins—making a plan, replacing a torch, checking on a mate. Every step makes you stronger for next time.

Bonus Tip 🌟: Practice your earthquake plan with your family or crew every 6 months. Make it a fun drill for kids (use a “safety spot” game), or a quick crew debrief for teams—muscle memory builds calm under pressure.