Councils working with communities
to reduce the impact of flood, fire and
earthquake.
The Group is comprised of:
- City of Burnside
- Campbelltown City Council
- City of Norwood Payneham
St Peters
- City of Prospect
- Town of Walkerville
Earthquakes that cause loss of life and damage to property are rare but are much
more common in Australia than most people realise. There are thousands of
earthquakes worldwide each year with most going undetected and only a few
causing significant property damage and loss of life. This handbook prepares you
for the unlikely event of an earthquake that might put you, your family and your
property at risk. Government does have an important part to play, however
residents and businesses can lessen the effect that earthquakes have on their
families and properties, while also assisting the wider community to respond to,
and recover from an earthquake.
QuakeReady is designed to assist you in preparing for responding and recovering
from an earthquake. Many of the actions suggested are low-cost and easy to
implement.
For specific information about
earthquake issues in your area please
contact your local Council.
The significant impact that earthquakes can have on families and the community
is internationally recognised. Following this introduction there are four sections
that relate to reduction, readiness, response and recovery. (See the diagram above.)
A summary of important points is provided at the end of each step.
At the end of the handbook there is a comprehensive set of checklists
for you to use.
QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007
INTRODUCTION and GENERAL OVERVIEW - page 1
QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region
Earthquake Handbook: October 2007
INTRODUCTION and GENERAL OVERVIEW - page 2
The earth's outer surface is broken into
pieces called tectonic plates. These plates
are constantly and slowly moving under
stress. When these stresses are released
causing pressure faults and movement, an
earthquake occurs. You do not have to be
directly over a fault line to be affected by
an earthquake.
Small events occur frequently - in fact,
most earthquakes cause little or no damage
and go undetected. A strong earthquake
can be followed by a series of aftershocks
weeks after the event.
Fault Line
Major fault lines in the Adelaide Hills
An earthquake and the aftershocks that
follow can cause buildings and trees to fall,
roads to be blocked, water mains, sewer
and gas pipes to break, chemical and
petrol tanks to crack, telephone and power
lines to break. This can result in buildings,
bridges and roads being unsafe to use, tap
water being contaminated, sewage, gas,
chemical and petrol leaks and fallen live
electrical wires being on the ground.
In extreme cases,
- Dams could fail, causing flash flooding.
- Seismic sea waves (Tsunamis) may occur
which in South Australia have been
assessed to be 1 metre or less in height.
- Landslide
- Rockfalls
To assist with surviving and recovering
from an earthquake your household can
develop a QuakeReady Household Kit.
City of Burnside:
401 Greenhill Road,
Tusmore SA 5065
PO Box 9
Glenside SA 5065
08 8366 4200 (all hours)
burnside@burnside.sa.gov.au
Campbelltown City Council:
172 Montacute Road,
Rostrevor SA 5073
PO Box 1
Campbelltown SA 5074
08 8366 9222
cityof@campbelltown.sa.gov.au
City of Norwood Payneham
& St Peters:
175 The Parade,
Norwood SA 5067
PO Box 204
Kent Town SA 5071
08 8366 4555
townhall@npsp.sa.gov.au
City of Prospect:
128 Prospect Road,
Prospect SA 5082
Postal: PO Box 171,
Prospect SA 5082
08 8269 5355
admin@prospect.sa.gov.au
Town of Walkerville:
66 Walkerville Terrace,
Gilberton, SA 5081
Telephone: 08 8344 7711
walkervl@walkerville.sa.gov.au
The information contained in this handbook is intended as a guide only and is subject to change without prior notice. It is not
a substitute for expert, technical or legal advice. Council accepts no risk or responsibility for any losses, damage, costs or other
consequences whatsoever arising from the use of this information.
Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook
Earthquakes are well documented as
a cause of major disruption, damage,
injury and potential loss of life. We
have no control over when and where
an earthquake will strike but we do
have the potential to minimise the
associated impacts.
Properties most at risk from damage
and collapsing in the event of an
earthquake include:
- Mud-brick, stone, old brick,
unreinforced masonry and double
brick structures
- Older buildings e.g. glass fronted
retail stores and multi-storey
buildings
- Modern buildings with underground
car-parks - Properties built on hill
slopes, landfill development sites and
loose wet sandy soil.
Structural repairs after an earthquake
can be expensive and it is likely there
will be a shortage of qualified trade's
people. Experience from other
earthquakes suggests that simple and
inexpensive precautions should be
considered to reduce damage from
earthquakes.
QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007
STEP ONE: REDUCING YOUR EARTHQUAKE RISK - page 1
There are many things you can do to
get to know about, and possibly
reduce, your property’s earthquake
risk. By understanding what happens
in an earthquake and what you need
to do to protect yourself from injury,
you can respond properly at the first
sign of an earthquake.
Making an audit of your property, its
fixtures, fittings and the safest places
to be during an earthquake will
reduce the potential earthquake
impacts and assist in preparing
insurance claims.
QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region
Earthquake Handbook: October 2007
STEP ONE: REDUCING YOUR EARTHQUAKE RISK - page 2
Below is a table of the Modified
Mercalli (MM) scale used to describe
the range of damage an earthquake can
cause.
There are more than 1,000 worldwide
earthquake events each year. The vast
majority do not register higher than
MM IV on the Modified Mercalli scale
and are rarely detected by normal
human activity.
Modified
Mercalli Scale
Level of Damage
I- IV
Instrumental
to Moderate
No Damage
V
Rather Strong
Damage negligible. Small, unstable objects displaced or upset:
some dishes and glassware broken.
VI
Strong
Damage slight. Windows, dishes, glassware broken.
Furniture moved or overturned.
Weak plaster and masonry cracked.
VII
Very Strong
Damage slight to moderate in well built structures; considerable in
poorly built structures. Furniture and weak chimneys broken.
Masonry damaged. Loose bricks, tiles, plaster and stones will fall.
EARTHQUAKE IS EXPECTED TO CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE AT MM VIII AND ABOVE
VIII
Destructive
Structural damage considerable, particularly to poorly built structures.
Chimneys, monuments, towers, elevated tanks may fall.
Frame houses moved. Trees damaged.
Cracks in wet ground and steep slopes.
IX
Ruinous
Structural damage severe; some will collapse. General damage
to foundations. Serious damage to reservoirs. Underground pipes
broken. Conspicuous cracks in ground; liquefaction.
NO EARTHQUAKES TO DATE IN AUSTRALIAN MAJOR POPULATION AREAS
HAVE CAUSED DESTRUCTION AT MM X OR ABOVE
X
Disastrous
Most masonry and frame structures/foundations destroyed.
Some well built wooden structures and bridges destroyed.
Serious damage to dams, dikes and embankments.
Sand and mud shifting on beaches and flat land.
XI
Very Disastrous
Few or no masonry structures remain standing. Bridges destroyed.
Broad fissures in ground. Underground pipelines completely out
of service. Rails bent. Widespread earth slumps and landslides.
XII
Catastrophic
Damage nearly total. Large rock masses displaced.
Lines of sight and levels distorted.
Create and maintain a family disaster
plan. Plan home escape routes.
Make sure each member of your
family knows what to do no matter
where they are when an earthquake
occurs. Ensure children practice
moving to safe places and also
practice taking cover under tables
and holding onto the table legs.
Guests, baby-sitters and care-givers
should be informed of the plans.
Establish two meeting places
where you can all reunite afterward.
One right outside your home, in
case of a sudden emergency, and
one outside your neighbourhood in
case you cannot return home or are
asked to leave your
neighbourhood.
Practice the plan each year when
the smoke alarm batteries are
replaced.
Test your smoke alarms once a
month and replace batteries at least
once a year in battery powered
smoke alarms (every five years for
mains powered alarms).
Know where your gas, electric, and
water main shut off valves are and
how to turn them off. Have
spanners stored near shut off
valves
Talk to your neighbours - how
could they help you, or you help
them, after an earthquake?
Take a Red Cross first aid and
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR) training course or refresher
course.
Assess and action earthquake
preparation for pets.
Make and complete a checklist (use
the Checklists available at the end
of this handbook).
Understand the risks
associated with an earthquake.
Prepare ALL of your family.
Prepare a Household
Emergency Kit.
The information contained in this handbook is intended as a guide only and is subject to change without prior notice. It is
not a substitute for expert, technical or legal advice. Council accepts no risk or responsibility for any losses, damage, costs or
other consequences whatsoever arising from the use of this information.
The table of some large/damaging Australian earthquakes near population centres
demonstrates that earthquakes do occur in Australia. To date the loss of life has not
been high.
Year
Location
1892
1897
1902
1903
1918
1918
1935
1941
1946
1948
1949
1954
1959
1961
1968
1972
1973
1979
1985
1988
1989
1994
Launceston TAS
Beachport SA
Warooka SA
Warnambool VIC
Bundaberg QLD
Rockhampton QLD
Gayndah QLD
Meeberrie WA
Launceston TAS
Robe SA
Dalton-Gunning NSW
Adelaide SA
Berridale NSW
Robertson-Bowral NSW
Meckering WA
Wilpena SA
Picton NSW
Cadoux WA
Lithgow NSW
Tennant Creek NT
Newcastle NSW
Ellalong NSW
Richter
Magnitude
Modified
Mercalli
Deaths or
Injuries
6.9
6.5
6.0
5.3
6.3
6.3
6.1
7.2
6.0
5.6
5.6
5.6
5.3
5.6
6.9
5.2
5.0
6.2
4.3
6.8
5.6
5.4
V-VII
VIII
VII
VII-VIII
VI
VI
VI
VIII
IV-VII
VI
VII
VIII
VI-VII
VII
IX
VI-VII
VI-VII
IX
IV-VII
IX
IX
VII
2 deaths
21 injuries
13 d; 150 inj.
-
Source: Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness for Australians AGSO
QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007
STEP TWO: READYING YOUR HOME - page 1
QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region
Earthquake Handbook: October 2007
STEP TWO: READYING YOUR HOME - page 2
Check that your
renovations comply
with AS3826
Strengthening Existing
Buildings for
Earthquake
Ensure everyone understands that most
earthquake injuries occur when people
are hit by falling objects.
Preparing for an earthquake requires
taking action prior to the earthquake
occurring as unlike floods and fires
there is no time to make plans before
the event.
Check insurance policy for
earthquake damage cover.
If building or renovating seek
expert advice on earthquake code
requirements and depth and type
of foundations and construction
to suit soil conditions.
In existing buildings, check for
unsupported masonry parapets,
gables and chimneys and brace to
comply with guidelines for
strengthening existing buildings for
earthquakes.
Repair loose roof tiles and cracks in
walls or gaps in mortar between
bricks.
Chairs and beds should be clear of
hanging items such as ceiling fans,
pot plants, paintings, mirrors and
other items that can fall during an
earthquake.
Secure cupboard doors with strong
latches
Secure or move breakables or heavy
objects that are kept on high or
open shelves
Store flammable liquids, painting
and cleaning products in a garage or
outside shed
Evaluate animal facilities and places
your pets like to hide. Ensure any
hazardous substances or structures
are dealt with.
Ensure essential medical supplies are
stored separately from pharmacy
prescriptions.
Brace tall, heavy furniture that could
topple, such as bookcases, china
cabinets, or modular wall units.
Secure water and gas tanks that
could be pulled away from pipes and
rupture.
This section of the handbook looks at:
• Preparing your home
• Developing your Household Kit
Secure computers. Secure appliances
that could move enough to rupture
gas or electrical lines.
Secure air conditioning and heating
units, where possible install at
ground level.
Understand the risks
associated with an earthquake.
Prepare ALL of your family.
Prepare a Household
Emergency Kit.
The information contained in this handbook is intended as a guide only and is subject to change without prior notice. It is
not a substitute for expert, technical or legal advice. Council accepts no risk or responsibility for any losses, damage, costs or
other consequences whatsoever arising from the use of this information.
This section of the handbook looks at:
• Actions to take:
Indoors, Outside and Driving
• Risks during earthquakes
• Evacuation
• Who to contact if you are affected.
By following the actions outlined in
this step you will assist to keep your
family, other household members and
pets out of harm’s way.
Your action during an earthquake
depends where you are at the time.
Below are some basic guidelines for
things you should do if you are indoors,
outdoors or driving a car.
Indoors:
Take cover under a sturdy desk,
table, or bench, or against an
inside wall, and hold onto the
furniture.
Stay away from glass, windows,
outside doors and walls, and
anything that could fall, such as
lighting, fixtures and furniture.
If you are in bed when the
earthquake strikes, stay there. Hold
on and protect your head with a
pillow. UNLESS you are under a
heavy fixture then move to the
nearest safest place. Get under the
bed if you can do so safely.
Stay inside until the shaking stops
and it is safe to go outside. Most
injuries during earthquakes
occur when people are hit by
falling objects while entering or
leaving buildings.
Be aware that the electricity may
fail or become unsafe to use.
Do not use lifts.
QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007
STEP THREE: RESPONDING TO AN EARTHQUAKE - page 1
Stay outdoors.
Move away from buildings, trees,
streetlights, and utility wires or
anything else that might fall on
you.
Move away from steep hillsides as
there may be a danger of landslide,
falling rocks or trees as a result of
the earthquake.
Move inland from the beach just
in case a tsunami follows.
Slow down and STOP
Stay inside your car until the
shaking stops.
Do not stop on or under a bridge
or overpass or under trees, light
posts, power lines, or signs.
After shaking stops move your car
as far out of the traffic as possible
If you resume driving, watch for
breaks in the pavement, cracks and
bumps in the road, fallen debris
and fallen power lines.
QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region
Earthquake Handbook: October 2007
STEP THREE: RESPONDING TO AN EARTHQUAKE - page 2
It is natural to want to stay and protect
your home and valuables. However
evacuation may be required.
Evacuating to a family member’s or
friend’s house should be considered.
Remember to have
your Emergency
Household Kit with
you.
Important numbers to remember are:
All life threatening emergencies
(Police/Fire/Ambulance) 000
SES
132 500
The location of emergency shelters will
depend on what buildings are damaged
and what transport routes are affected.
Listen to the radio for bulletins
providing information on your nearest
Emergency Shelter.
Police
Make sure each household member has
important phone numbers with them.
You may also need to contact a range
of people and services for assistance
such as:
Remember to take your Household
Emergency Kit.
Family Members
131 444
Medical providers (doctor or
hospital, health fund)
Service providers (plumbers,
electricians, gas & electricity
providers, vet)
Evacuation by public transport may not
be an option due to road closures and
blockages.
Financial providers (bank, insurance
provider, real estate agent).
Find a safe refuge whether
indoors, outdoors or driving,
Aftershocks and tsunamis may
follow several hours after the
initial quake
Be aware that most injuries are
caused when entering or leaving
a building.
Make sure your family all have
important contact numbers.
Make sure your Household Kit
is at hand.
The information contained in this handbook is intended as a guide only and is subject to change without prior notice. It is
not a substitute for expert, technical or legal advice. Council accepts no risk or responsibility for any losses, damage, costs or
other consequences whatsoever arising from the use of this information.
After an earthquake, the recovery
process can be stressful, costly and
emotionally demanding. It is important
to remember that support is available.
The Federal and State Government will
provide support but the extent and
magnitude of the earthquake may result
in areas suffering greater damage
receiving assistance first.
This section of the handbook looks at:
• Risks immediately after an earthquake
• Cleaning up
• Assistance and relief
Always remember to turn on any torch
or electric light source OUTSIDE your
property to avoid the potential ignition
from a battery spark.
Be aware that just because the tremor
has ceased, the danger may not be over.
After tremors the risks of damage and
injury as a result of falling and loose
debris are very real. Listed below are
some precautions you should take:
Limit mobile and land phone use to
emergencies only to ensure calls to
essential services to report critical
damage and injuries can be
connected.
Put out small fires using a fire
extinguisher.
Do not use electrical switches or
appliances if gas leaks are suspected,
because sparks can ignite gas from
broken lines.
Use a battery-powered torch to
inspect your home. Turn the torch
on outside, before entering, because
the battery may produce a spark.
Check gas, electrical, water line, and
appliances for damage. If you smell
gas or see a broken line, shut off the
main valve.
Do NOT search for gas leaks with a
lighted match or naked flame.
Switch off electrical power until
cleared by a qualified electrician.
Do not touch downed power lines
Do not use broken appliances.
QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007
STEP FOUR: RECOVERING AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE - page 1
Check the building for cracks and
damage.
Clean up spilt petrol and other
flammable liquids.
Check to see that water and
sewage lines are intact before using
the toilet.
Check water and food supplies. If
the water is cut off, use emergency
water supplies (e.g. in water
heaters or melted ice cubes).
Check cupboards, but open doors
carefully because of falling objects
Throw out all food that may be
spoiled or contaminated.
Use charcoal or gas grills for
emergency cooking, only out of
doors.
Do not use your car, unless there
is an emergency
Be prepared for aftershocks
including further earthquakes, dam
failure, tsunamis, fires, gas, water
and sewage leaks and broken
power lines.
QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region
Earthquake Handbook: October 2007
STEP FOUR: RECOVERING AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE - page 2
If a person is bleeding, put direct
pressure on the wound.
Do not attempt to move seriously
injured persons unless they are in
immediate danger of further
injury.
Cover injured persons with
blankets to keep them warm.
Seek medical help for serious
injuries.
Valuable carpeting, appliances,
furniture and personal belongings
may have been damaged during the
earthquake. Before attempting to
clean up, make sure the property is
safe to enter.
Wear stout shoes to avoid cuts and
injuries to your feet from broken
glass and other debris.
Wear protective clothing such as
masks and helmets, whenever
possible. Children should wear their
bike and skate boarding helmets.
If you are trapped under debris:
Do not light a match - there may
be gas nearby.
Do not move about and kick up
dust.
Cover your mouth with a
handkerchief or clothing and
avoid shouting to ensure you do
not inhale dangerous amounts of
dust.
Tap on a pipe or wall, use a
whistle or turn on your mobile
phone alarm so that rescuers can
find you.
There are agencies to
help you recover from
the earthquake
The State Government Families SA
Emergency Management Program
provides advice and practical
assistance to help people and
communities recover from major
emergencies. This includes the
provision of food, accommodation,
financial support, information and
referral. Immediate assistance is
available to affected communities
through locally established
Evacuation Centres.
Families SA relies on its recovery
partners, who include Councils, the
Australian Red Cross, United Church
Pastoral Ministry Services, Lions Club
of SA, Rotary Club, Housing SA,
Animal Welfare Unit, Insurance
Council of Australia and Centrelink
to support the program.
Local media and newspapers will
provide guidance on the type of
support available.
Your planning before an
earthquake can determine how
you recover from one.
Be prepared for any possible
after-shock.
Make sure you use caution when
entering a building affected by
an earthquake.
Remember, there are agencies
that can help in the recovery
process.
The information contained in this handbook is intended as a guide only and is subject to change without prior notice. It is
not a substitute for expert, technical or legal advice. Council accepts no risk or responsibility for any losses, damage, costs or
other consequences whatsoever arising from the use of this information.
As part of preparing for an earthquake, consider every item on the list below. Implement as many points as possible now.
Check with your Council about potential risks.
Audit the property to determine the potential
earthquake hazards.
Prepare an Household Emergency Kit
Discuss contingency plans with your family
Check your insurance policy for earthquake cover and
purchase insurance if available and applicable. Take
photographs of all your valuables.
Assessment
Audit potential hazards on room to room basis, and take
appropriate measures.
Building
Assess mortar and brickwork for weaknesses
Emergency planning
Prepare a list of important phone numbers.
Position emergency numbers in a readily accessible place.
.
Load emergency agency websites into the web browser of
your computer.
Discuss and agree on your evacuation plan which includes
your pets and any neighbours requiring assistance.
Ensure everyone knows what to do in an earthquake.
Prepare an Emergency Household Kit .
Complete your essential household information form
Inside
Move valuables to a secure place.
Anchor or tie any large pieces of furniture to walls.
Remove mirrors or large light fittings from above beds
Move large boxes or items from high furniture.
Outside
Check all water tanks and gas bottles are secured
against walls.
Evacuation
Take your Household Kit with you.
Turn off electricity, gas and water mains as you leave.
Lock windows and doors as you leave.
Consider your pets.
Hazards
Inside: stay away from windows and find secure cover like
a kitchen table
Outside: avoid falling debris, make sure you are in an open
space.
On a hillside be aware of the dangers of falling trees, rocks
and potential landslides
Stay clear of fallen power lines and electrical wires.
QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region
Earthquake Handbook: October 2007
CHECKLIST #1: Four steps to be QuakeReady - page 2
As part of preparing for an earthquake, consider every item on the list below. Implement as many points as possible now.
For assistance phone your Council.
All emergencies – phone 000 (mobiles 000 and 112).
Contact government or community groups for assistance.
e.g. Families SA and Centrelink
Hazards
Be aware of risks following an earthquake to avoid injury.
Only drive when you know that it is safe.
Beware of power lines, fallen trees and water over the
road.
Use a torch until you are sure there is no gas inside the
house.
Inspect your home for structural damage before entering.
Keep the power off until an electrician has inspected your
system for safety.
Have an electrician test all electrical items prior to use.
Do not use the toilet or tap until you have checked for
sewerage and water pipe damage. If you suspect damage,
call a plumber.
Boil tap water (rolling boil of at least 3 minutes) until the
water supply is declared safe.
Test that smoke detectors are still working.
Cleaning
Clean affected property thoroughly.
Contact your insurance company to discuss a claim.
Photograph or video the damage in your house before
cleaning up to assist your insurance claim.
Throw away any spoilt or contaminated food.
Salvage damaged items.
Long-term changes to make around the house
Take steps to reduce impacts next time.
Consider earthquake implications when you are making
improvements or additions to your home.
Replenish your Household Kit and regularly update
contact lists.
This essential household kit will assist you during a flood and if you are evacuated.
Essentials
Valuables such as jewellery and photographs
Important papers, identification, bank books,
credit cards, cash, insurance policies and photos
for insurance purposes
List of essential phone numbers
Spare house keys
Personal items
Toiletries and sanitary supplies
Physical aids (e.g. Glasses/hearing aid)
Blankets, dry clothes, spare footwear
Rubber boots and gloves
Games for children and adults
Equipment
Battery-operated portable radio
Mobile phone and charger
Camera
Waterproof torch
Spare batteries and bulbs
Builder’s plastic and sandbags
Tools
Supplies
First aid supplies
Medications and prescriptions
Baby formulas, nappies and supplies
Non-perishable food (for 3 days)
Pet food
Can opener
Drinking water (x 2 ltrs/person for 3 days)
Antibacterial wipes
This form helps you to record information on special needs, medical conditions and pets. It will assist you if
an evacuation is required. Keep this information in a waterproof container or bag, attached to the inside of
the kitchen sink. Keep an additional copy with your Household Kit to take with you if you are evacuated.
Property Profile
Street address:
Suburb:
Postcode:
Household Members
Name
e.g. Fred Smith
Adult Child
tick
tick
Medications and prescriptions
e.g. Ventolin
Family Doctor:
Household Pets
Name and ID tag number
e.g. Spottie
Vet:
Phone:
Allergies or special needs
e.g. Wears spectacles, allergic to dairy
Phone:
Breed or type
e.g. Border Collie Cross
Usual location on property
e.g. Kennel at end of garden
Phone:
Use this list to write down details of your valuable possessions. This list could help with estimating the level of insurance
cover you require and will act as a register of your possessions to assist in making an insurance claim. It will be useful for
all sorts of emergencies, not just floods. Once complete, this register should be kept in a waterproof sleeve in your
Household Kit. An additional copy of this register should be kept with your insurance policies.
Valuables Register
Item Description
Brand
Model and
Serial Number
Date of
purchase
Purchase
Price
Priority