What If There’s An Earthquake While You’re Overseas? A Guide For Singaporean Families

When it comes to family vacays, we’re all hyped up — exploring new places, digging into good food, and making memories that last. But amidst all the excitement, there’s always the very real danger of natural disasters like earthquakes happening, especially when you least expect them. With the recent Johor earthquake hitting close to home and sparking concern across Singapore, parents may be wondering: What happens if a quake strikes while you’re overseas with your family?

While Singapore is largely shielded from major seismic events, popular family travel destinations like Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, China and the US are not. Whether you’re planning a getaway with the fam or have children studying overseas, here’s how to prepare, stay calm, and respond effectively if the ground starts to shake.

Are you travelling to an earthquake-prone country?

Destinations near Singapore that are seismically active include Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and parts of China. Further away, New Zealand, the US, and Italy are also susceptible to earthquakes.

And while it’s a hotspot for many Singaporeans, Japan also tops the list as one of the most earthquake-prone countries, along with volcanic eruptions and tsunamis, as it is situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”. The Pacific “Ring of Fire” is a string of volcanoes and sites of seismic activity around the Pacific Ocean.

For info on seismic activity at your travel destination, you can check USGS/EMSC/ASEAN seismic activity maps.

So, what should parents know and prepare before travelling?

• Register with MFA’s eRegister for overseas travel. If an incident happens while you’re overseas, the relevant consulate or embassy will be better able to contact you to render assistance.
• Download earthquake alert apps like My Earthquake Alerts (Android/Apple) that help provide information and communication during such natural disasters.
• Prepare an emergency contact list, including the embassy, local emergency services, and your hotel.

What to do during an earthquake (if you’re overseas with family)

If indoors:

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) listed eight ways to stay safe during tremors and earthquakes in its Civil Defence Emergency Handbook:

• Keep calm and stay away from windows, display shelves, lighting fixtures or anything that can fall and cause injuries.
• Take cover under a sturdy table, preferably made of wood, and hold on until the shaking is over.
• Move to a safe place nearby if no furniture is available to serve as shelter.
• Turn off all gas and electrical appliances when tremors stop to prevent fires.
• Avoid using matches on naked flames as there might be a gas leak caused by tremors.
• Examine your surroundings for structural defects and cracks on walls, columns and beams.
• Follow updates on the earthquake by listening to local radio or television stations.
• Avoid jamming emergency lines. Call the authorities only if there is an emergency.
  
  
  If you have kids and elderly folk with you:
  
  Teach kids a simple “turtle shell” move — curl up, cover their head and neck — to help make it easier for them to remember.
  
  Protect the elderly. Help them sit or crouch against a wall if they can’t move quickly. Shield their head and neck using pillows, bags, or even folded jackets.

If outdoors:

• Stay away from buildings and overhead electrical cables.
• Remain in the open until the tremors stop.
• If you are driving, stop as soon as safety permits and remain in your vehicle. Avoid stopping near trees, buildings, bridges, overpasses, or overhead electrical cables.

If in a hotel:

• Know the nearest fire escape; don’t use elevators. Always use stairs when evacuating a building.
• Ask front desk upon check-in about evacuation protocols.

What to do if you need to evacuate

• Wait for the shaking to stop and evacuate when it’s safe to move.
• Grab essentials like water, food and a whistle to attract attention if they are within easy reach. If they aren’t, just get out of the building as soon as possible. In an emergency, every second counts.
• Avoid power lines, which could be a source of fire, and do not use the lifts.
• The evacuation should be done in an orderly manner, like a fire drill.
• Follow official instructions. Listen to emergency services or local authorities via radio, mobile alerts, or social media. Only return to buildings when officials say it’s safe.

What to do after an earthquake

• Check for injuries.
• Use SMS or messaging apps to preserve phone battery.
• Follow local news updates via the hotel, the radio or embassy alerts.
• Avoid damaged buildings and be prepared for aftershocks.

How to stay connected with family members and loved ones

• Set up a meeting point ahead of time when travelling.
• Use apps like Life360, Google Maps sharing, or WhatsApp live location.
• Update friends/family in Singapore on your status regularly. You can also make use of Facebook’s Safety Check feature.

For parents with children abroad

• Encourage children to know their school’s earthquake plan.
• Ensure they’re familiar with local emergency services.
• Consider giving them a laminated emergency card with:
  - Important numbers
  - Allergies and medical conditions
  - Embassy contact