This week Aucklanders will have a chance to practice what to do during an earthquake.
ShakeOut, New Zealand’s national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi takes place on Wednesday 21 October, at 1.30pm.
Councillor Alf Filipaina, chair of Auckland Council’s Emergency Management Committee, says this is a chance for Aucklanders to practice some simple actions in readiness for a real earthquake.
“It always pays to be prepared for an earthquake and while a major shake in Auckland is unlikely, it can happen.
“ShakeOut is a great opportunity for Aucklanders to practice what to do if they experience a real earthquake, or tsunami, whether in Tāmaki Makaurau or somewhere else on the motu.
“As always, ShakeOut is also a good reminder to think about your preparedness for an emergency, including having a household emergency plan, and talking to family and friends about what to do in an emergency and how to stay informed.”
Omaha Beach (file picture, not taken during a real tsunami).
What you need to know about ShakeOut
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is encouraging all households, schools, and organisations to officially sign up for ShakeOut. When you sign up, you’ll have the option of going into the draw to win a prize.
ShakeOut takes place on Wednesday 21 October at 1.30pm.
It is a self-run earthquake and tsunami drill - an Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) will not be sent out.
You can run the drill in whatever way works for you. All you need to do is Drop, Cover and Hold for 60 seconds, and practice your evacuation if you are in a tsunami evacuation zone by walking to high ground or inland by foot or bike
There are resources you can use to encourage your friends, family and colleagues to practice earthquake and tsunami drills. Download posters, factsheets and more on the Get Ready website.
All of New Zealand is at risk from earthquakes and tsunami. Practicing your tsunami hīkoi is an easy way for you and those around you to learn the right actions to take.
Councillor Alf Filipaina, chair of Auckland Council’s Emergency Management Committee.
Before the ShakeOut drill
• Know your tsunami evacuation zone in Auckland. Make plans for a tsunami hīkoi if you are in a coastal area. See the national Tsunami Evacuation Map to find tsunami evacuation zones in other regions.
• Remind yourself and others what to do in an earthquake or tsunami. Download and share Drop, Cover and Hold or Long or Strong: Get Gone posters.
Drop, Cover, Hold
In an earthquake: Drop, Cover, Hold. It stops you being knocked over, makes you a smaller target for falling and flying objects, and protects your head, neck and vital organs.
• DROP down on your hands and knees. This protects you from falling but lets you move if you need to.
• COVER your head and neck (or your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk (if it is within a few steps of you). If there is no shelter nearby then cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
• HOLD on to your shelter (or your position to protect your head and neck) until the shaking stops. If the shaking shifts your shelter around, move with it.
If there is no shelter near you, crawl to an inside corner of the room and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
Do not run outside or stand in a doorway. Many people are injured while trying to move during the shaking.
It is safer to Drop, Cover, and Hold until the shaking is over.
Cr Filipaina says emergencies can affect people differently and not everyone is able to “drop” easily.
“That's why it is important that each of us practises the version of ‘Drop, Cover and Hold’ that works best for our situation,” he says.
“For example, if you use a wheelchair, you can Lock, Cover and Hold; or if you have mobility impairment, you can Sit, Cover, and Hold. What matters most is knowing what works for you and practising it.”
If you use a walker or a wheelchair: Lock, Cover, Hold
• Lock your wheels and get as low as possible.
• Bend over and cover your head and neck as best you can.
• Then hold on until the shaking stops.
Long or Strong: Get Gone
Earthquakes can generate tsunami.
It is important to recognise the natural warning signs of a tsunami and remember, if an earthquake is Long or Strong: Get Gone.