ShakeOut drill a chance for Aucklanders to prepare for a real life earthquake

ShakeOut, New Zealand's national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi will take place on Thursday 24 October at 9.30am.

Councillor Sharon Stewart, chair of Auckland Council's Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee says she encourages Aucklanders to embrace this opportunity to practice for a real earthquake.

"I urge all Aucklanders to join in with the rest of Aotearoa and take part in ShakeOut."Even though the risk of a major shake in the Auckland region is small, it pays to be familiar with what to do if you are caught up in a real earthquake or tsunami."ShakeOut day is also a great opportunity to for Aucklanders to think about their preparedness for a natural disaster - including having a household emergency plan."It's also an opportunity to talk to family and friends about what to do in an emergency and how to stay informed."

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 a draw to win a prize.

• ShakeOut will take place on Thursday 24 October at 9.30am
• It is a self-run earthquake and tsunami drill. An Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) will not be sent out
• You can start 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 here.
• All of New Zealand is at risk of earthquakes and tsunami. Practicing your tsunami hīkoi is an easy way for you and those around you to learn the right actions to take.

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.

If youuse a walker or a wheelchair

If you use a walker or wheelchair, Lock, Cover and 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.

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