VICTORIA. — Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is encouraging Victorians to practise earthquake safety as part of tomorrow’s annual Great ShakeOut, a global initiative that promotes earthquake preparedness.
The event is a timely reminder for communities across Victoria of the importance of earthquake preparedness, following the magnitude 4.8 earthquake near Leongatha on 3 October – which generated more than 20,000 felt reports – and ongoing aftershocks, with more than nine earthquakes recorded across Gippsland.
Fortunately, VICSES has received no reports of damage following the recent earthquakes, but the activity shows that earthquakes can and do occur in Victoria – and communities need to know how to respond.
The Great ShakeOut, held annually on October 15, encourages people across the world to practise simple actions that can help prevent injuries during an earthquake: Drop, Cover and Hold On.
VICSES urges all Victorians to take a few minutes tomorrow to practise the following actions:
- Drop to your hands and knees to avoid being knocked over.
- Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand and take shelter under a sturdy table or desk if possible.
- Hold On to your shelter until the shaking stops, protecting your head and neck.
If you are unable to get under a table or desk, practice moving away from windows and other objects that could fall and protect your head and neck.
As Victoria’s control agency for earthquakes, VICSES coordinates the emergency response, supports affected communities and works to build community preparedness for future events.
“As Victoria’s control agency for earthquakes, VICSES plays an important role in coordinating the emergency response and supporting communities when earthquakes occur,” VICSES Chief Officer Operations, Alistair Drayton, said.
When responding to earthquake emergencies, VICSES volunteers assess and respond to requests for assistance and help communities manage the impacts of damaged buildings and other hazards.
Victoria’s largest recorded earthquake was a magnitude 5.9 event near Woods Point on September 22, 2021. The earthquake caused an estimated $113 million in damage, generated more than 43,000 felt reports across Victoria and neighbouring states, and prompted VICSES volunteers to respond to more than 100 requests for assistance.
“Fortunately, VICSES received no reports of damage following the recent earthquakes. However, it is important that Victorians understand the risks and know what to do, which is why we encourage everyone to practise Drop, Cover and Hold On as part of this year’s Great ShakeOut earthquake drill,” Mr Drayton said.
While earthquakes are less common in Australia than in some other parts of the world, they can happen without warning. Practising what to do before an earthquake occurs can help people respond quickly and reduce the risk of injury.
Victorians can find further information about earthquake preparedness, including advice for people with disability or mobility limitations, at www.ses.vic.gov.au/know-your-hazards/earthquake.
People who feel an earthquake are also encouraged to submit a report to Geoscience Australia.
If you will be participating in the Great ShakeOut drill tomorrow, register here.
For earthquake-related emergency assistance, call VICSES on 132 500. Call Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency.
