Source: NEMA
Mobility or access issues needn’t be a barrier to staying safe in an earthquake, with ShakeOut participants being encouraged to do the drill in a way that works for them.
ShakeOut 2025, New Zealand’s national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi (evacuation), has attracted more than 730,000 sign-ups – the biggest turnout since 2019. ShakeOut happens this Thursday at 9.30am and while most people will follow the “Drop, Cover, Hold” advice, there are many other ways everyone can take part.
“We want to make sure that all people, regardless of mobility or access needs, are able to learn the actions they need to stay safe during an earthquake.” says John Price, Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management at NEMA.
“That’s why we’ve created alternative guidance to ‘drop, cover, hold’ so that as many people as possible can take part in ShakeOut safely.”
If you’re not able to easily drop, cover, and hold, these are some of the variations you can do instead:
If you’re in bed or a recliner: Stay, Cover, Hold – stay in bed, pull the blankets over you, and protect your head and neck with a pillow.
If you’re using a cane: Drop, Cover, Hold, or sit on a chair/bed, cover your head and neck with both hands, keep your cane nearby to use when the shaking stops.
If you’re using a walker: Lock, Cover, Hold – lock your wheels (if applicable), carefully get as low as possible, cover your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops.
If you’re using a wheelchair: Lock, Cover, Hold – lock your wheels, bend over, cover your head and neck as best as you can, and hold on until the shaking stops.
If you’re sitting in a chair: Stay, Cover, Hold – bend over, cover your head and neck as best as you can, and hold on until the shaking stops.
If you have a disability assist dog, try to get them under cover with you, or keep them close beside you.
ShakeOut is also a great opportunity to check how prepared you are for emergencies in general. This could include replenishing your emergency supplies, or developing an emergency plan for everyone in your household, including pets or assistance animals.
“Make sure everyone in your household has an easy-to-access grab bag. For your disability assist dog, it should include food and water, medications, vaccination records, identification and equipment like leads and harnesses,” says Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People Deputy Chief Executive of Outreach and Innovation, Rebecca Elvy.
“Have a plan and practice it, so you and your household know what to do with your disability assist dog during an emergency.”
Further household preparation could also include securing earthquake-prone hazards around your home. The Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake sponsor ShakeOut 2025, and says preparing your home now will help keep your family safe when the next emergency hits.
“It’s a great time to make sure you’ve secured heavy furniture or items that could fall on you in an earthquake,” says Hamish Armstrong, NHC Public Education Manager.
“If you ‘fix, fasten and don’t forget’ now, it’ll give you peace of mind that you and your whānau are secure, and it’ll make sure you aren’t rushing around during earthquake shaking to check on your family.”
ShakeOut is a self-run exercise, so it’s up to you how you take part. You can simply do the drill by itself, or you can use it to take some additional steps to prepare your household.
“Emergency preparation starts with all of us. First you, then your family, then your community,” John Price says.
“That’s why ShakeOut is more than just a drill – it’s a great annual reminder that emergencies happen, and we all need to prepare for them,” Price says.
For more information about ShakeOut, and to sign up, visit getready.govt.nz/shakeout.
For more information about how to create an emergency plan in multiple formats, including braille, New Zealand Sign Language, audio, and easy read, visit getready.govt.nz
Image attached: “Lock, cover hold” advice for wheelchair users. Further examples available on request.
