Monday, 12 October, 2015

New Zealand ShakeOut this Thursday

More than 1.2 million New Zealanders will participate in NZ ShakeOut, a national earthquake drill at 9.15am, Thursday 15 October.

If you are listening to the radio you will hear stations throughout the country announce the start of ShakeOut at 9.15am on ZM, The Breeze, Radio Live, Radio New Zealand, Radio Rhema, and The Hits. If you are watching TVNZ’s Good Morning or Yes Shop the drill will be broadcast live.

NZ ShakeOut has been created to help people and organisations get better prepared for major earthquakes. It is a chance to check home and work emergency plans, and refresh emergency water and other supplies.

Coordinated by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management and local authorities around New Zealand the drill provides an opportunity to practise the right action to take during an earthquake - Drop, Cover and Hold.

Christchurch City Council Public Education & Community Resilience Coordinator Alicia Palmer says it's important Canterbury leads the way, showing we take preparedness seriously.

“By participating in NZ ShakeOut we're showing the rest of the country, new migrants and young children that everyone needs to practise and be prepared for an emergency," she says.

"Drop, Cover, Hold is a clear, simple action that we can take to help prepare ourselves for an earthquake. To physically practise the action will help you act quickly to protect yourself and others should you be faced with the real thing."

Christchurch City Council staff are among the 67,603 people from Christchurch who have already signed up to participate.

To find out more about the NZ ShakeOut and how to participate visit www.shakeout.govt.nz.

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