Monday 2 April, 2012

Horizons gets behind nationwide earthquake drill

Horizons Regional Council and the Manawatu-Wanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management Group are getting behind a nationwide initiative to see 1 million New Zealanders drop, cover and hold during the country’s largest ever earthquake drill.

Coordinated by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, the New Zealand ShakeOut will take place at 9.26am on 26 September with people from all walks of life encouraged to register online and practice what they would do in an earthquake.

Horizons emergency manager Shane Bayley describes the initiative as “an excellent way to get people thinking and talking about the actions they would take in an earthquake.”

“Unfortunately the fact that earthquakes can happen at any time has become even more apparent over the past few years with events in Canterbury and overseas. It’s so important we know what to do and take steps to be prepared,” he said.

According to a recent Colmar Brunton poll commissioned by the Ministry, households in the Manawatu have improved their preparedness for disaster events with 36 percent of households indicating they are fully prepared should a disaster strike at home.

This is 6 percent higher than the national average and Mr Bayley is hoping to see even more people recognise the need to be prepared in the lead up to the drill.

“Take the time to look around your home, workplace or school and identify safe places such as under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall. Knowing where the safe places are and planning how you will respond could just save your life,” he said.

The drop, cover and hold drill was reviewed following the Canterbury earthquakes and is promoted by civil defence agencies around the country as the best action to take in an earthquake. It involves dropping down to your hands and knees, covering your head and neck and holding onto your shelter or position until the shaking stops.

8,000 people have already registered online to participate in the New Zealand ShakeOut. For more information visit www.getthru.govt.nz

ENDS

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