What to do in an earthquake

Earthquakes can be unpredictable and frightening and cause unforeseen injuries and damage. But being prepared can help reduce their impact on you, your family, and your home. 

Knowing what to do before, during, and after an earthquake is important. Take a look at our tips below, to help you be prepared in case one strikes. 

Before an earthquake

Make an emergency plan

Get Ready provides helpful templates that you can use to make a plan with your workplace and get your household ready for when an earthquake strikes.

Your plan should include putting together a basic emergency grab bag that can help you get by for a few days if you can't get home or if your home has no power or water. Consider the things you need every day and what you would do if you didn't have them. Tower has a handy list of what you should put in your emergency grab bag or kit.

It's important to make sure you work out with your colleagues, family, and friends where you'll meet after an earthquake strikes if you can't get hold of each other or are separated. 

New Zealand ShakeOut

Joining in on the New Zealand ShakeOut is a great way to practice Drop, Cover, and Hold. Doing this at least twice a year will remind you of what to do in an earthquake.

Make your home safer

Make note of all the safe places in your workplace, school, or home, such as sturdy tables and desks, that are away from any windows. Door frames are very strong, but swinging doors can cause further injury, so avoid standing under doorways. 

Reduce the impact an earthquake has on your home and belongings by securing all tall and heavy furniture and whiteware to your wall studs. Be mindful of the types of hooks you use for mirrors and artwork, ensuring they are right for the size and weight. 

Do regular checks of your house foundations and any brick or concrete chimneys to make sure that they're in good condition. 

Check out the Get Ready website for further advice on how to make your home safer before an earthquake.

During an earthquake

Drop, Cover, Hold

When the ground starts shaking, remember:

• Drop: Get down on your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over.
• Cover: Protect your head and neck by taking cover under a sturdy piece of furniture (like a table) or against an interior wall. 
• Hold: Hold on to your shelter to keep it in place. 

As soon as you feel an earthquake, don't wait to see if it gets any worse. Take the recommended position of Drop, Cover, and Hold so you're protected from falling over and from any flying debris. 

What to do if you're inside

If you're inside your home or a building, your safest option is to stay inside until the shaking stops. Only leave when you know it is safe to do so.

What to do if you're outside

If you're outside when the shaking starts, try to move far away from any buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Once you're in a safe space, Drop, Cover, and Hold until the shaking stops.

If you happen to be at the beach or near the coast, remember: Long or Strong, Get Gone. An earthquake can trigger a tsunami within minutes, so move to higher ground and as far inland as you can.

If you happen to be driving, pull your vehicle over to a clear location and wait until the shaking stops. Only then should you move if it is safe to do so, and be mindful to avoid any damaged roads and bridges.

After an earthquake

Check if everyone is okay

Once the shaking stops, check yourself for any injuries and get first aid if needed. If you are able to, check if others nearby need your help.

If you have any pets or livestock, check on them and ensure they are protected from any hazards. Animals can become anxious and unpredictable after a quake, so it's important to keep them calm and away from others, just in case.

Whether you are at home or at work, follow your emergency plan. Let your family and colleagues know you are safe by sending a text message and giving an update to your wider friend group on social media. It's important to limit your phone use so that the phone lines are kept clear for emergency services.

For any updates, listen to your local radio station. They will share reports from Civil Defence and give advice on what to do next.

Inspect your home

If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, open the windows and get everyone out quickly. If it's safe to do so, turn off the gas and report it to the authorities.

If you see sparks or downed power lines on or near your property, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box if you can do it safely. If you see broken water pipes, turn off the water mains valve. Be patient, as the power may be off for a while. Fire alarms and/or sprinkler systems can also go off in buildings, even if there is no power.

Need to make a claim? 

Whether you own your own home or are renting, it's important to take note and photos of any damage to your home, contents, and vehicles. Photos and videos are especially helpful for insurers to see the damage. Share this information with your insurance provider as soon as possible.

If you're renting your home, contact your landlord so they are aware of the damages and can share the information with their own insurance provider.

For help in making your house insurance claim, take a look at Tower's guide on what to expect when you make a house insurance claim following a natural disaster.

If you're a Tower customer, you can make a car, contents, or house insurance claim with My Tower, our fastest and easiest way to claim. If you don't have a My Tower account, you can register online. If you can't claim via My Tower, complete our online claim form or call us on 0800 379 372.

For more information on what to do when disaster strikes, visit Get Ready. Remember, preparation is key. By following these tips, you can minimise the impact of an earthquake on you and your family and stay safe.

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