Is it safe to stand in a doorway during an earthquake?

No. This is an outdated myth. Modern doorframes offer no more protection than any other part of a building. The Drop, Cover, Hold On method — taking shelter under a sturdy table or desk — is the recommended action.

Should I run outside during an earthquake?

Generally no. Most injuries happen from falling debris when people try to move during shaking. Stay where you are, drop to the ground, cover your head, and hold on until the shaking stops. The exception is if you are already near an exit and can reach open ground in a few seconds.

How much water should I store for earthquake preparedness?

Emergency services recommend storing at least 4 litres (approximately 1 gallon) of water per person per day, for a minimum of 72 hours (3 days). For a family of four, that is at least 48 litres. In earthquake-prone areas, a two-week supply is preferable.

Earthquake Safety: Before, During and After

Knowing what to do before, during, and after an earthquake can significantly reduce your risk of injury or death. While we cannot predict earthquakes, we can absolutely prepare for them.

Before an Earthquake: Prepare Your Home and Family

Make Your Home Safer

Secure heavy furniture (bookshelves, wardrobes) to walls with straps or brackets.
Store heavy or breakable items on lower shelves.
Know how to turn off your gas, water, and electricity.
Check your home for potential hazards: unsecured water heaters, hanging mirrors above beds, items stored above doorways.
Consider having a structural engineer assess your home if you live in a high-risk zone.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Assemble a go-bag with at least 72 hours of supplies:

Water: at least 4 litres per person per day
Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
First aid kit and essential medications
Torch and spare batteries (or a hand-crank torch)
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Copies of important documents (passport, insurance, medical records)
Cash in small denominations
Warm clothing and sturdy shoes
Phone charger and power bank

Plan with Your Household

Agree on a meeting point outside your home and a second one further away.
Identify a contact outside your immediate area who everyone can call.
Know your local emergency services numbers.
Practise Drop, Cover, Hold On with all family members including children.

During an Earthquake: Drop, Cover, Hold On

The internationally recommended action is Drop, Cover, Hold On:

DROP to your hands and knees. This prevents you from being knocked over.
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl beneath it. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
HOLD ON to your shelter (or to your head/neck) until the shaking stops.

Where You Are Matters

Indoors: Stay inside. Move away from windows, exterior walls, and anything that could fall. Do not stand in doorways — this is an outdated myth.
Outdoors: Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop to the ground.
In a vehicle: Pull over to a clear area, away from bridges, overpasses, and buildings. Stay inside with your seatbelt on.
Near the coast: If shaking is strong enough to make standing difficult, move immediately to higher ground — don't wait for a tsunami warning.

After an Earthquake: Stay Safe

Expect aftershocks. Drop, Cover, and Hold On whenever you feel more shaking.
Check yourself and others for injuries. Apply first aid where needed.
Inspect your home for damage before re-entering. Look for gas leaks (smell), damaged electrical wiring, and structural cracks.
If you smell gas, open windows, leave the building, and contact your gas provider.
Use text messages or social media to let family know you are safe — phone lines are often overwhelmed.
Follow instructions from local authorities. Evacuate if told to do so.
Do not enter damaged buildings.