When an earthquake happens, stay where you are and drop, cover and hold – and don’t shelter in a doorway, as you’re far more likely to get injured, says the National Emergency Management Agency.
The New Zealand ShakeOut earthquake drill and tsunami hikoi is taking place tomorrow at 9.30am, and the NEMA’s Chief Science Advisor Professor Tom Wilson is reminding Kiwis that Drop, Cover and Hold is the best way to stay safe during shaking. (ref. http://www.shakeout.govt.nz/ )
Tom Wilson says research (Nicholas Horspool, 2022) based on ACC injury data from the 2016 Kaikoura-Hurunui earthquake indicates that you’re up to four times more likely to get injured if you try and move about during an earthquake.
“Don’t rush to shelter in a doorway when shaking happens. You’re more likely to get injured while scrambling to get to one, or you may get hurt by the door itself. Research shows that ‘Drop, cover and hold’ is the best general advice for keeping safe in earthquakes in New Zealand.”
The research also showed that people who moved to protect someone else were more likely to get injured.
“Earlier this month, many people in central New Zealand were awoken by strong shaking. If you have young children, your first instinct is to rush to their aid. However, you may get hurt in the process. Wait until the shaking stops, and arrive safely. Ideally you’ve already made your home ‘quake-safe’ so you are confident your tamariki will be safe.”
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 NZ ShakeOut National Earthquake Drill this month on October 24 at 9.30am. You can sign up at www.shakeout.govt.nz – over 635,000 people have registered.
What to do if an earthquake happens:
If you are outside
If you are outside, Drop, Cover and Hold.
Move no more than a few steps away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines.
Then Drop, Cover and Hold.
If you are in an elevator
If you are in an elevator, Drop, Cover and Hold.
When the shaking stops, try and get out at the nearest floor if you can safely do so.
If you are driving
If you are driving, Pull over and Wait. Pull over to a clear location. Stop.
Wait there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
Once the shaking stops, proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps as they may have been damaged.
If you are in bed
If you are in bed, Stay, Cover and Hold.
Stay in bed and pull the sheets and blankets over you. You are less likely to be injured if you stay in bed.
Cover your head and neck with your pillow.
Hold on until the shaking stops.
If you have a mobility impairment or use a cane
If you have a mobility impairment or use a cane, Drop, Cover and Hold or Sit, Cover and Hold
Drop by getting as low as you can or Sit on a chair, bed, etc.
Cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so you can use it when the shaking stops.
Hold on until the shaking stops.
If you use 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.
