Councils working with communities to reduce the impact of flood, fire and earthquake.

Transcription

1 Councils working with communities to reduce the impact of flood, fire and earthquake. The Group is comprised of: City of Burnside Campbelltown City Council City of Norwood Payneham St Peters City of Prospect Town of Walkerville Earthquakes that cause loss of life and damage to property are rare but are much more common in Australia than most people realise. There are thousands of earthquakes worldwide each year with most going undetected and only a few causing significant property damage and loss of life. This handbook prepares you for the unlikely event of an earthquake that might put you, your family and your property at risk. Government does have an important part to play, however residents and businesses can lessen the effect that earthquakes have on their families and properties, while also assisting the wider community to respond to, and recover from an earthquake. QuakeReady is designed to assist you in preparing for responding and recovering from an earthquake. Many of the actions suggested are lowcost and easy to implement. For specific information about earthquake issues in your area please contact your local Council. The significant impact that earthquakes can have on families and the community is internationally recognised. Following this introduction there are four sections that relate to reduction, readiness, response and recovery. (See the diagram above.) A summary of important points is provided at the end of each step. At the end of the handbook there is a comprehensive set of checklists for you to use. QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007 INTRODUCTION and GENERAL OVERVIEW page 1

2 QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007 INTRODUCTION and GENERAL OVERVIEW page 2 Fault Line Major fault lines in the Adelaide Hills The earth's outer surface is broken into pieces called tectonic plates. These plates are constantly and slowly moving under stress. When these stresses are released causing pressure faults and movement, an earthquake occurs. You do not have to be directly over a fault line to be affected by an earthquake. Small events occur frequently in fact, most earthquakes cause little or no damage and go undetected. A strong earthquake can be followed by a series of aftershocks weeks after the event. An earthquake and the aftershocks that follow can cause buildings and trees to fall, roads to be blocked, water mains, sewer and gas pipes to break, chemical and petrol tanks to crack, telephone and power lines to break. This can result in buildings, bridges and roads being unsafe to use, tap water being contaminated, sewage, gas, chemical and petrol leaks and fallen live electrical wires being on the ground. In extreme cases, Dams could fail, causing flash flooding. Seismic sea waves (Tsunamis) may occur which in South Australia have been assessed to be 1 metre or less in height. Landslide Rockfalls To assist with surviving and recovering from an earthquake your household can develop a QuakeReady Household Kit. City of Burnside: 401 Greenhill Road, Tusmore SA 5065 PO Box 9 Glenside SA (all hours) burnside@burnside.sa.gov.au Campbelltown City Council: 172 Montacute Road, Rostrevor SA 5073 PO Box 1 Campbelltown SA cityof@campbelltown.sa.gov.au City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters: 175 The Parade, Norwood SA 5067 PO Box 204 Kent Town SA townhall@npsp.sa.gov.au City of Prospect: 128 Prospect Road, Prospect SA 5082 Postal: PO Box 171, Prospect SA admin@prospect.sa.gov.au Town of Walkerville: 66 Walkerville Terrace, Gilberton, SA 5081 Telephone: walkervl@walkerville.sa.gov.au The information contained in this handbook is intended as a guide only and is subject to change without prior notice. It is not a substitute for expert, technical or legal advice. Council accepts no risk or responsibility for any losses, damage, costs or other consequences whatsoever arising from the use of this information.

3 Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook Earthquakes are well documented as a cause of major disruption, damage, injury and potential loss of life. We have no control over when and where an earthquake will strike but we do have the potential to minimise the associated impacts. Properties most at risk from damage and collapsing in the event of an earthquake include: Mudbrick, stone, old brick, unreinforced masonry and double brick structures Older buildings e.g. glass fronted retail stores and multistorey buildings Modern buildings with underground carparks Properties built on hill slopes, landfill development sites and loose wet sandy soil. There are many things you can do to get to know about, and possibly reduce, your property s earthquake risk. By understanding what happens in an earthquake and what you need to do to protect yourself from injury, you can respond properly at the first sign of an earthquake. Making an audit of your property, its fixtures, fittings and the safest places to be during an earthquake will reduce the potential earthquake impacts and assist in preparing insurance claims. Structural repairs after an earthquake can be expensive and it is likely there will be a shortage of qualified trade's people. Experience from other earthquakes suggests that simple and inexpensive precautions should be considered to reduce damage from earthquakes. QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007 STEP ONE: REDUCING YOUR EARTHQUAKE RISK page 1

4 QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007 STEP ONE: REDUCING YOUR EARTHQUAKE RISK page 2 Below is a table of the Modified Mercalli (MM) scale used to describe the range of damage an earthquake can cause. Modified Mercalli Scale I IV V VI VII VIII IX Instrumental to Moderate Rather Strong Strong Very Strong Destructive Ruinous Level of Damage No Damage Damage negligible. Small, unstable objects displaced or upset: some dishes and glassware broken. Damage slight. Windows, dishes, glassware broken. Furniture moved or overturned. Weak plaster and masonry cracked. Damage slight to moderate in well built structures; considerable in poorly built structures. Furniture and weak chimneys broken. Masonry damaged. Loose bricks, tiles, plaster and stones will fall. There are more than 1,000 worldwide earthquake events each year. The vast majority do not register higher than MM IV on the Modified Mercalli scale and are rarely detected by normal human activity. EARTHQUAKE IS EXPECTED TO CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE AT MM VIII AND ABOVE Structural damage considerable, particularly to poorly built structures. Chimneys, monuments, towers, elevated tanks may fall. Frame houses moved. Trees damaged. Cracks in wet ground and steep slopes. Structural damage severe; some will collapse. General damage to foundations. Serious damage to reservoirs. Underground pipes broken. Conspicuous cracks in ground; liquefaction. Establish two meeting places where you can all reunite afterward. One right outside your home, in case of a sudden emergency, and one outside your neighbourhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to leave your neighbourhood. Practice the plan each year when the smoke alarm batteries are replaced. Test your smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year in battery powered smoke alarms (every five years for mains powered alarms). Know where your gas, electric, and water main shut off valves are and how to turn them off. Have spanners stored near shut off valves X XI XII Disastrous Very Disastrous Catastrophic NO EARTHQUAKES TO DATE IN AUSTRALIAN MAJOR POPULATION AREAS HAVE CAUSED DESTRUCTION AT MM X OR ABOVE Most masonry and frame structures/foundations destroyed. Some well built wooden structures and bridges destroyed. Serious damage to dams, dikes and embankments. Sand and mud shifting on beaches and flat land. Few or no masonry structures remain standing. Bridges destroyed. Broad fissures in ground. Underground pipelines completely out of service. Rails bent. Widespread earth slumps and landslides. Damage nearly total. Large rock masses displaced. Lines of sight and levels distorted. Talk to your neighbours how could they help you, or you help them, after an earthquake? Take a Red Cross first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training course or refresher course. Create and maintain a family disaster plan. Plan home escape routes. Make sure each member of your family knows what to do no matter where they are when an earthquake occurs. Ensure children practice moving to safe places and also practice taking cover under tables and holding onto the table legs. Guests, babysitters and caregivers should be informed of the plans. Assess and action earthquake preparation for pets. Make and complete a checklist (use the Checklists available at the end of this handbook). Understand the risks associated with an earthquake. Prepare ALL of your family. Prepare a Household Emergency Kit. The information contained in this handbook is intended as a guide only and is subject to change without prior notice. It is not a substitute for expert, technical or legal advice. Council accepts no risk or responsibility for any losses, damage, costs or other consequences whatsoever arising from the use of this information.

5 The table of some large/damaging Australian earthquakes near population centres demonstrates that earthquakes do occur in Australia. To date the loss of life has not been high. Year Location Richter Magnitude Modified Mercalli Deaths or Injuries Launceston TAS Beachport SA Warooka SA Warnambool VIC Bundaberg QLD Rockhampton QLD Gayndah QLD Meeberrie WA Launceston TAS Robe SA DaltonGunning NSW Adelaide SA Berridale NSW RobertsonBowral NSW Meckering WA Wilpena SA Picton NSW Cadoux WA Lithgow NSW Tennant Creek NT Newcastle NSW Ellalong NSW Source: Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness for Australians AGSO VVII VIII VII VIIVIII VI VI VI VIII IVVII VI VII VIII VIVII VII IX VIVII VIVII IX IVVII IX IX VII 2 deaths 21 injuries 13 d; 150 inj. QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007 STEP TWO: READYING YOUR HOME page 1

6 QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007 STEP TWO: READYING YOUR HOME page 2 Check that your renovations comply with AS3826 Strengthening Existing Buildings for Earthquake This section of the handbook looks at: Preparing your home Developing your Household Kit Ensure everyone understands that most earthquake injuries occur when people are hit by falling objects. Preparing for an earthquake requires taking action prior to the earthquake occurring as unlike floods and fires there is no time to make plans before the event. Check insurance policy for earthquake damage cover. If building or renovating seek expert advice on earthquake code requirements and depth and type of foundations and construction to suit soil conditions. In existing buildings, check for unsupported masonry parapets, gables and chimneys and brace to comply with guidelines for strengthening existing buildings for earthquakes. Repair loose roof tiles and cracks in walls or gaps in mortar between bricks. Brace tall, heavy furniture that could topple, such as bookcases, china cabinets, or modular wall units. Secure water and gas tanks that could be pulled away from pipes and rupture. Secure computers. Secure appliances that could move enough to rupture gas or electrical lines. Secure air conditioning and heating units, where possible install at ground level. Chairs and beds should be clear of hanging items such as ceiling fans, pot plants, paintings, mirrors and other items that can fall during an earthquake. Secure cupboard doors with strong latches Secure or move breakables or heavy objects that are kept on high or open shelves Store flammable liquids, painting and cleaning products in a garage or outside shed Evaluate animal facilities and places your pets like to hide. Ensure any hazardous substances or structures are dealt with. Ensure essential medical supplies are stored separately from pharmacy prescriptions. Understand the risks associated with an earthquake. Prepare ALL of your family. Prepare a Household Emergency Kit. The information contained in this handbook is intended as a guide only and is subject to change without prior notice. It is not a substitute for expert, technical or legal advice. Council accepts no risk or responsibility for any losses, damage, costs or other consequences whatsoever arising from the use of this information.

7 This section of the handbook looks at: Actions to take: Indoors, Outside and Driving Risks during earthquakes Evacuation Who to contact if you are affected. By following the actions outlined in this step you will assist to keep your family, other household members and pets out of harm s way. Your action during an earthquake depends where you are at the time. Below are some basic guidelines for things you should do if you are indoors, outdoors or driving a car. Indoors: Take cover under a sturdy desk, table, or bench, or against an inside wall, and hold onto the furniture. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting, fixtures and furniture. If you are in bed when the earthquake strikes, stay there. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow. UNLESS you are under a heavy fixture then move to the nearest safest place. Get under the bed if you can do so safely. Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Most injuries during earthquakes occur when people are hit by falling objects while entering or leaving buildings. Be aware that the electricity may fail or become unsafe to use. Do not use lifts. Stay outdoors. Move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires or anything else that might fall on you. Move away from steep hillsides as there may be a danger of landslide, falling rocks or trees as a result of the earthquake. Move inland from the beach just in case a tsunami follows. Slow down and STOP Stay inside your car until the shaking stops. Do not stop on or under a bridge or overpass or under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs. After shaking stops move your car as far out of the traffic as possible If you resume driving, watch for breaks in the pavement, cracks and bumps in the road, fallen debris and fallen power lines. QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007 STEP THREE: RESPONDING TO AN EARTHQUAKE page 1

8 QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007 STEP THREE: RESPONDING TO AN EARTHQUAKE page 2 It is natural to want to stay and protect your home and valuables. However evacuation may be required. Evacuating to a family member s or friend s house should be considered. Important numbers to remember are: All life threatening emergencies (Police/Fire/Ambulance) 000 SES The location of emergency shelters will depend on what buildings are damaged and what transport routes are affected. Listen to the radio for bulletins providing information on your nearest Emergency Shelter. Police Family Members Remember to have your Emergency Household Kit with you. Make sure each household member has important phone numbers with them. Remember to take your Household Emergency Kit. Evacuation by public transport may not be an option due to road closures and blockages. You may also need to contact a range of people and services for assistance such as: Medical providers (doctor or hospital, health fund) Service providers (plumbers, electricians, gas & electricity providers, vet) Financial providers (bank, insurance provider, real estate agent). Find a safe refuge whether indoors, outdoors or driving, Aftershocks and tsunamis may follow several hours after the initial quake Be aware that most injuries are caused when entering or leaving a building. Make sure your family all have important contact numbers. Make sure your Household Kit is at hand. The information contained in this handbook is intended as a guide only and is subject to change without prior notice. It is not a substitute for expert, technical or legal advice. Council accepts no risk or responsibility for any losses, damage, costs or other consequences whatsoever arising from the use of this information.

9 After an earthquake, the recovery process can be stressful, costly and emotionally demanding. It is important to remember that support is available. The Federal and State Government will provide support but the extent and magnitude of the earthquake may result in areas suffering greater damage receiving assistance first. This section of the handbook looks at: Risks immediately after an earthquake Cleaning up Assistance and relief Always remember to turn on any torch or electric light source OUTSIDE your property to avoid the potential ignition from a battery spark. Be aware that just because the tremor has ceased, the danger may not be over. After tremors the risks of damage and injury as a result of falling and loose debris are very real. Listed below are some precautions you should take: Limit mobile and land phone use to emergencies only to ensure calls to essential services to report critical damage and injuries can be connected. Put out small fires using a fire extinguisher. Do not use electrical switches or appliances if gas leaks are suspected, because sparks can ignite gas from broken lines. Use a batterypowered torch to inspect your home. Turn the torch on outside, before entering, because the battery may produce a spark. Check gas, electrical, water line, and appliances for damage. If you smell gas or see a broken line, shut off the main valve. Do NOT search for gas leaks with a lighted match or naked flame. Switch off electrical power until cleared by a qualified electrician. Do not touch downed power lines Do not use broken appliances. Check the building for cracks and damage. Clean up spilt petrol and other flammable liquids. Check to see that water and sewage lines are intact before using the toilet. Check water and food supplies. If the water is cut off, use emergency water supplies (e.g. in water heaters or melted ice cubes). Check cupboards, but open doors carefully because of falling objects Throw out all food that may be spoiled or contaminated. Use charcoal or gas grills for emergency cooking, only out of doors. Do not use your car, unless there is an emergency Be prepared for aftershocks including further earthquakes, dam failure, tsunamis, fires, gas, water and sewage leaks and broken power lines. QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007 STEP FOUR: RECOVERING AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE page 1

10 QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007 STEP FOUR: RECOVERING AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE page 2 If a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Cover injured persons with blankets to keep them warm. Seek medical help for serious injuries. If you are trapped under debris: Do not light a match there may be gas nearby. Do not move about and kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing and avoid shouting to ensure you do not inhale dangerous amounts of dust. Tap on a pipe or wall, use a whistle or turn on your mobile phone alarm so that rescuers can find you. Valuable carpeting, appliances, furniture and personal belongings may have been damaged during the earthquake. Before attempting to clean up, make sure the property is safe to enter. Wear stout shoes to avoid cuts and injuries to your feet from broken glass and other debris. Wear protective clothing such as masks and helmets, whenever possible. Children should wear their bike and skate boarding helmets. There are agencies to help you recover from the earthquake The State Government Families SA Emergency Management Program provides advice and practical assistance to help people and communities recover from major emergencies. This includes the provision of food, accommodation, financial support, information and referral. Immediate assistance is available to affected communities through locally established Evacuation Centres. Families SA relies on its recovery partners, who include Councils, the Australian Red Cross, United Church Pastoral Ministry Services, Lions Club of SA, Rotary Club, Housing SA, Animal Welfare Unit, Insurance Council of Australia and Centrelink to support the program. Local media and newspapers will provide guidance on the type of support available. Your planning before an earthquake can determine how you recover from one. Be prepared for any possible aftershock. Make sure you use caution when entering a building affected by an earthquake. Remember, there are agencies that can help in the recovery process. The information contained in this handbook is intended as a guide only and is subject to change without prior notice. It is not a substitute for expert, technical or legal advice. Council accepts no risk or responsibility for any losses, damage, costs or other consequences whatsoever arising from the use of this information.

11 As part of preparing for an earthquake, consider every item on the list below. Implement as many points as possible now. Check with your Council about potential risks. Audit the property to determine the potential earthquake hazards. Prepare an Household Emergency Kit Discuss contingency plans with your family Check your insurance policy for earthquake cover and purchase insurance if available and applicable. Take photographs of all your valuables. Assessment Audit potential hazards on room to room basis, and take appropriate measures. Building Assess mortar and brickwork for weaknesses Emergency planning Prepare a list of important phone numbers. Position emergency numbers in a readily accessible place.. Load emergency agency websites into the web browser of your computer. Discuss and agree on your evacuation plan which includes your pets and any neighbours requiring assistance. Ensure everyone knows what to do in an earthquake. Prepare an Emergency Household Kit. Complete your essential household information form Inside Move valuables to a secure place. Anchor or tie any large pieces of furniture to walls. Remove mirrors or large light fittings from above beds Move large boxes or items from high furniture. Outside Check all water tanks and gas bottles are secured against walls. Evacuation Take your Household Kit with you. Turn off electricity, gas and water mains as you leave. Lock windows and doors as you leave. Consider your pets. Hazards Inside: stay away from windows and find secure cover like a kitchen table Outside: avoid falling debris, make sure you are in an open space. On a hillside be aware of the dangers of falling trees, rocks and potential landslides Stay clear of fallen power lines and electrical wires.

12 QuakeReady: Adelaide Eastern Region Earthquake Handbook: October 2007 CHECKLIST #1: Four steps to be QuakeReady page 2 As part of preparing for an earthquake, consider every item on the list below. Implement as many points as possible now. For assistance phone your Council. All emergencies phone 000 (mobiles 000 and 112). Contact government or community groups for assistance. e.g. Families SA and Centrelink Hazards Be aware of risks following an earthquake to avoid injury. Only drive when you know that it is safe. Beware of power lines, fallen trees and water over the road. Use a torch until you are sure there is no gas inside the house. Inspect your home for structural damage before entering. Cleaning Clean affected property thoroughly. Contact your insurance company to discuss a claim. Photograph or video the damage in your house before cleaning up to assist your insurance claim. Throw away any spoilt or contaminated food. Salvage damaged items. Longterm changes to make around the house Take steps to reduce impacts next time. Consider earthquake implications when you are making improvements or additions to your home. Replenish your Household Kit and regularly update contact lists. Keep the power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety. Have an electrician test all electrical items prior to use. Do not use the toilet or tap until you have checked for sewerage and water pipe damage. If you suspect damage, call a plumber. Boil tap water (rolling boil of at least 3 minutes) until the water supply is declared safe. Test that smoke detectors are still working.

13 This essential household kit will assist you during a flood and if you are evacuated. Essentials Valuables such as jewellery and photographs Important papers, identification, bank books, credit cards, cash, insurance policies and photos for insurance purposes List of essential phone numbers Spare house keys Personal items Toiletries and sanitary supplies Physical aids (e.g. Glasses/hearing aid) Blankets, dry clothes, spare footwear Rubber boots and gloves Games for children and adults Equipment Batteryoperated portable radio Mobile phone and charger Camera Waterproof torch Spare batteries and bulbs Builder s plastic and sandbags Tools Supplies First aid supplies Medications and prescriptions Baby formulas, nappies and supplies Nonperishable food (for 3 days) Pet food Can opener Drinking water (x 2 ltrs/person for 3 days) Antibacterial wipes

14 This form helps you to record information on special needs, medical conditions and pets. It will assist you if an evacuation is required. Keep this information in a waterproof container or bag, attached to the inside of the kitchen sink. Keep an additional copy with your Household Kit to take with you if you are evacuated. Property Profile Street address: Suburb: Postcode: Phone: Household Members Name e.g. Fred Smith Adult tick Child tick Medications and prescriptions e.g. Ventolin Allergies or special needs e.g. Wears spectacles, allergic to dairy Family Doctor: Phone: Household Pets Name and ID tag number e.g. Spottie Breed or type e.g. Border Collie Cross Usual location on property e.g. Kennel at end of garden Vet: Phone:

15 Use this list to write down details of your valuable possessions. This list could help with estimating the level of insurance cover you require and will act as a register of your possessions to assist in making an insurance claim. It will be useful for all sorts of emergencies, not just floods. Once complete, this register should be kept in a waterproof sleeve in your Household Kit. An additional copy of this register should be kept with your insurance policies. Valuables Register Item Description Brand Model and Serial Number Date of purchase Purchase Price Priority