You can use this online checklist as guide to prepare and secure your home and potentially minimise any damage caused by an earthquake.
If you prefer, you can download the PDF to your device.
- Develop an evacuation plan specific to your home and local area.
- Practise Drop, Cover, Hold on once or twice a year with your family – especially if you live in an earthquake-prone area.
- Identify the safest routes to community support centres.
- Confirm the contact details of friends, schools, family and people in your support network.
- Establish or confirm your household’s safe meeting point.
- Make sure your emergency kit can be easily and safely reached.
- Safely secure any heavy furniture or appliances to prevent them from falling.
- Safely secure your water heater with a wide metal strap around the top and attach to wall studs.
- Have your roof checked annually by a qualified trades person to detect any pre-existing damage and/or repairs that may be needed.
- If you live in an earthquake-prone area, it could be worth adding earthquake-resistant features to your home, such a reinforced walls and foundations.
- Safely secure heavy or tall furniture to the walls – including shelves, cabinets, and bookcases.
- Store heavy and fragile items on lower shelves (under 1.5 metres).
- Store all chemicals, poisons, and flammable products in a secure cabinet with latches.
- Keep an in-date fire extinguisher accessible in case of a fire during or after an earthquake.
- Familiarise yourself with how to turn off water, gas, electricity, and air-conditioning at your property.
- Pack enough drinking water and non-perishable food for three days.
- Have a first aid kit ready.
- Pack toiletries and towels.
- Pack a torch with spare batteries.
- Pack your devices and chargers.
- Organise hand sanitiser and face masks.
- Prepare important documents and valuables, including cash.
- Don’t forget any medication and scripts.
What’s next?
Staying safe is your priority. You can start your claim process after the earthquake has stopped.
For support before and after an earthquake, visit AAMI’s Earthquake Hub.
Disclaimer
Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as AAMI. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Go to aami.com.au for a copy. Target Market Determination also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.
The information is intended to be of a general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon it. Please make your own enquiries.