Insurance
> Earthquake safety
Any part of Australia could experience an earthquake. To reduce your vulnerability,
Emergency Management Australia recommends the following precautionary
steps:
- Check that your Insurance covers earthquake damage.
- If you are currently building your home, seek expert advice on the depth and type of foundations and construction to suit your soil conditions.
- Check and repair cracks in walls or gaps in mortar between bricks in existing buildings.
- Have an emergency kit which includes a portable radio and torch with fresh batteries, containers of fresh water, canned food supplies, and a first aid kit and instruction manual.
- Have an evacuation plan for you and your family.
- Know the safest areas during earthquakes. Shelter under a door frame, table, bench, etc.
- List emergency phone numbers for police, fire, ambulance and gas, etc.
- If indoors, don't leave the house and keep clear of windows, chimneys and overhead fittings. If leaving the home, do not use elevators/lifts.
- Keep well clear of buildings, overhead structures, walls, bridges, power lines, trees etc.
- Stay away from fallen power lines, damaged roads, and landslides.
- Listen to your car radio for warnings before moving.
- Turn off electricity, gas, and water. Do not light matches and check for gas or fuel leaks and damaged wiring.
- Check for broken water, sewerage or electrical mains.
- Expect aftershocks. Evacuate if the building is damaged.
- Do not go sightseeing or enter damaged buildings. Don't panic and help others if possible.
To take out the insurance offered on this section, you will have to complete the application forms attached to the Product Disclosure Statements ("PDS") which you can download from this page. It is important for you to read the PDS's before you make an insurance decision and you should consider carefully whether or not the insurance available is appropriate for you.