Safety First: Earthquakes

Developing a plan is not straightforward for crews on set and is particularly difficult when shooting on location. Considering some key factors before disaster strikes will increase your chances of remaining safe.

Before an earthquake

• Discuss how and where you will meet up during and after a disaster with family.

• Consult the safety information made available for you each day/attend pay attention to

the safety briefing.

• Identify safe areas (away from hazards) and familiarise yourself with exits.

• Assemble and maintain an emergency survival kit that can travel with you.

• Practice Drop, Cover and Hold.

During an earthquake

• If you are inside a building, move no more than a few steps, drop, cover and hold until

the shaking stops.

• If you are outside, move no more than a few steps away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines, then drop, cover and hold.

• If you are at the beach or near the coast, drop, cover and hold then move to higher ground immediately in case a tsunami follows the quake.

• If you are driving, pull over to a clear location, stop and stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.

• If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling debris or landslides.

After an earthquake

• Listen to local radio stations for emergency management advice for the location and situation.

• Expect to feel aftershocks.

• Check yourself for injuries and get first aid if necessary. Help others if you can, follow instructions from safety-briefed personnel.

• Be aware that electricity is a hazard, fire alarms may malfunction. Check for, and extinguish, small fires.

• If you see sparks, broken wires or evidence of electrical damage, turn off electricity at the main source if possible.

• If you are in a damaged building, smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, observe fire or other hazards, try to get outside and find a safe, open place.

• Watch out for hazards such as fallen power lines or broken gas lines, avoid bridges or ramps that may be damaged, and stay out of damaged areas.

• Keep phones for emergency calls.