More than 615,000 New Zealanders are preparing to take part in a nationwide earthquake and tsunami drill this Wednesday, October 21, as emergency authorities urge whānau, schools, workplaces and communities to practise the actions that could save their lives.
The National Emergency Management Agency, Te Rākau Whakamarumaru (NEMA), is holding its annual New Zealand ShakeOut at 1.30pm on Wednesday, encouraging people across Aotearoa to stop what they are doing and practise Drop, Cover and Hold.
NEMA Deputy Chief Executive Emergency Management John Price says preparing for a natural disaster should be approached with the same commitment New Zealanders bring to sport, where practice, teamwork and preparation are essential to success.
Practice Could Save Your Life
Earthquakes can strike without warning, leaving people only seconds to respond.
NEMA says practising the correct response helps build confidence and makes potentially lifesaving actions instinctive when a real emergency occurs.
The key message is simple: Drop, Cover and Hold.
- DROP to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over.
- COVER your head and neck, and shelter beneath a sturdy table or desk if one is nearby.
- HOLD on to your shelter and remain protected until the shaking stops.
Price says people should not wait until an earthquake strikes to work out what to do.
He is encouraging everyone to take part in Wednesday’s exercise, whether they are at home, school, work or elsewhere in the community.
Making Emergency Preparedness Accessible
NEMA is also reminding New Zealanders that earthquake safety advice can be adapted for people with disabilities or mobility challenges.
For those unable to Drop, Cover and Hold, alternative actions include:
- Sit, Cover and Hold for people who use a cane or walking equipment.
- Lock, Cover and Hold for wheelchair users, securing their wheels and protecting their head and neck.
The agency says everyone has a role to play in emergency preparedness, and knowing the safest response for individual circumstances is an important part of reducing injuries.
Tsunami Awareness Just as Important
ShakeOut also provides an opportunity for coastal communities to practise tsunami preparedness.
A strong or long earthquake near the coast can be a natural warning of a tsunami.
People in coastal tsunami evacuation zones should know their evacuation routes and be prepared to move immediately to higher ground or as far inland as possible once the shaking stops.
The national safety message remains Long or Strong, Get Gone.
Communities should not wait for an official warning if they experience an earthquake that lasts longer than a minute or is strong enough to make standing difficult.
For coastal Māori communities, marae, kura and whānau, having evacuation plans and knowing where to gather safely can make a critical difference during a major emergency.
Whānau, Schools and Workplaces Encouraged to Join
More than 615,000 people have already registered for this year’s ShakeOut, with NEMA encouraging even more New Zealanders to participate.
The agency has developed resources to help households, schools, businesses and community organisations run their own earthquake drills.
Price says preparing together strengthens communities and improves the chances of people responding safely during a real disaster.
With Aotearoa sitting on an active tectonic boundary and facing significant earthquake and tsunami risks, emergency preparedness remains an important responsibility for communities throughout the motu.
Get Ready Before Wednesday
NEMA is encouraging people to register, review their emergency plans and take part in the nationwide exercise at 1.30pm on Wednesday, October 21.
Whānau can also use the opportunity to check emergency supplies, discuss communication plans and identify safe places in their homes, workplaces and schools.
When the clock strikes 1.30pm on Wednesday, the challenge is simple: Drop, Cover and Hold. A few moments of practice today could make all the difference when a real earthquake strikes.
Register and access free resources at:
https://getready.govt.nz/shakeout
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