If the earth moves for you while you’re in bed, it’s important to stay safe and protected, says the National Emergency Management Agency.
Most people who felt last Sunday morning’s 5.7 magnitude earthquake near Wellington were in bed at the time – and NEMA’s Chief Science Advisor Professor Tom Wilson says that’s exactly where you should remain until the shaking stops.
“If you’re in bed when an earthquake happens, stay in bed. Stay, cover and hold – cover your head and neck with your pillow. Hold on until the shaking stops.”
Tom Wilson says research using ACC injury data (Nicholas Horspool, 2022) shows that people are far more likely to get injured trying to get elsewhere during an earthquake.
“Moving around during an earthquake increases your likelihood of getting hurt. This is why we urge people to Drop, Cover and Hold – or if you’re in bed, Stay, Cover and Hold.”
Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake Chief Resilience and Research Officer, Dr Jo Horrocks says keeping your home quake-safe is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your whānau during an earthquake.
“If you know your baby’s nursery is secured, for example, you’re less likely to feel the need to rush in during the shaking. Simple actions like securing heavy furniture and removing items that could fall above your bed can make a big difference in preventing injuries.
“By preparing your home now, you’re helping to keep everyone safe when the next earthquake hits.”
NEMA and the NHC Toka Tū Ake are encouraging people to practice their Drop, Cover and Hold during the ShakeOut National Earthquake Drill this month on October 24 at 9.30am. You can sign up at www.shakeout.govt.nz – already half a million participants have registered.
