Earthquakes are more common in Australia than most people realise. Although most are too small to feel, Australia records at least one magnitude 5 earthquake every year according to the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience.

The good news is, there are some practical steps you can take to be prepared in the event of an earthquake.

The Victoria SES recommends the below actions during an earthquake:

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.

• Do not use a doorway except if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway and it is close to you. Many inside doorways are lightly constructed and do not offer protection.

• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not exit a building during the shaking. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.

• DO NOT use the elevators.

• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

• People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Prior to an earthquake, identify and test multiple ways to receive warnings and evacuation information.

• People who are Blind or have Low Vision: Earthquakes can cause items to fall and furniture to shift. Regular sound clues may not be available afterwards. Move with caution.

• People with Developmental/Cognitive/Intellectual Disabilities: If you have difficulty understanding, remembering, or learning, keep a simple list of what to do and important information with you and in your kits. Practice your plan in advance. If you use augmentative communication supports, include these in your planning.

• If you are outdoors during an earthquake:  Stay there. Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls.

• If you are trapped under debris: Do not light a match. Do not move around or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.