Before

Fix TVs, shelves and wall-hung objects firmly so they cannot fall.^[1]
Keep heavy or breakable items on low shelves.^[1]
Practise Drop, Cover, Hold On with family members and colleagues.^[1]
Agree a family contact living in another area and a place to meet if separated.^[1]
Pack a supply kit with food, water and essentials for at least three days.^[1]
Check whether your insurance covers earthquake damage, as standard policies often do not.^[1]

During

Drop to hands and knees, protect head and neck, and hold on to sturdy furniture.^[1]
Do not stand in a doorway or run outside while shaking continues.^[1]
If in bed, stay there and shield your head and neck with a pillow.^[1]
If driving, stop in an open spot clear of buildings, trees, bridges and power lines.^[1]
If already outdoors, stay outside.^[1]
In a tall building, expect alarms and sprinklers, and never use the lifts.^[1]
Near hills or cliffs, watch for falling rocks and landslides.^[1]

Be ready for aftershocks.^[1]
Check yourself for injuries, then help others if you are trained.^[1]
Leave a damaged building quickly and do not go back in.^[1]
If trapped, cover your mouth and signal by tapping, texting or whistling instead of shouting.^[1]
In coastal tsunami zones, head inland or uphill as soon as shaking stops.^[1]
Keep phone calls for emergencies and follow official updates by radio or text alert.^[1]
Wear long sleeves, long trousers, work gloves and thick-soled shoes when clearing debris.^[1]
Never try to lift heavy debris on your own.^[1]

Short how-to videos for this topic are being added to our channel.

Steps are written in our own words from these pages. If advice from your local authority differs, follow your local authority.