Taranaki residents fear; 'What if a big one hits'

Taranaki has had over 18 earthquakes over the past 14 days all noticeble and now its getting abit much as Dribble NZ News reports,

On the 1st of January 2013 a 'intense' earthquake struck Taranaki there was small damage and residents said 'ive never felt anything like it'.

Residents told Dribble NZ News it felt like a truck smashed into the house, "I was really frightened" 

Residents thought it was 'fun' to be in small quakes but with the latest 18 "its getting abit much" says Andrew Manick.

Taranaki residents have asked Dribble NZ News 'What if a big one hits?'  

This has never happended in Taranaki that the region would have so many earthquakes so noticeble. 

The quakes a ranging from 2s' to 5s' in magnitude rating, "I know Taranaki is nothing like Christchurch and I feel for them and what they went threw but should we be worrying about this? This is so diffrent and kindof scary knowing that we are right beside a mountain."

The latest earthquake was just yesterday night at 10.04pm and was a light 2.4 magnitude but one just an hour before was much stronger and felt like 'a truck had hit the house'.

Dribble NZ News has been able to confirm that there has been some wierd stuff going on in Taranaki regarding earthquakes but at the moment there is nothing to worry about. 

Below take the time to read how an earthquake forms, what you can do before an earthquake hits, as an earthquake hits and after an earthquake hits for your saftey. 

HOW DOES A EARTHQUAKE FORM

New Zealand lies on the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates.

Most earthquakes occur at faults, which are breaks extending deep within the earth, caused by movements of these plates.

There are thousands of earthquakes in New Zealand every year, but most of them are not felt because they are either small, or very deep within the earth.

Each year there are about 150 – 200 quakes that are big enough to be felt. A large, damaging earthquake could occur at any time, and can be followed by aftershocks that continue for days or weeks.

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE

Getting ready before an earthquake strikes will help reduce damage to your home and business and help you survive. 

Develop a Household Emergency Plan.

Assemble and maintain your emergency survival Items for your home and workplace, as well as a portable getaway kit.

Practice Drop, Cover and Hold.

Identify safe places within your home, school or workplace. 

Check your household insurance policy for cover and amount.

Seek qualified advice to make sure your house is secured to its foundations and ensure any renovations comply with the New Zealand Building Code.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
If you are inside a building, move no more than a few steps, drop, cover and hold.

Stay indoors till the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. In most buildings in New Zealand you are safer if you stay where you are until the shaking stops.

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 outdoors when the shaking starts, move no more than a few steps away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines, then Drop, Cover and Hold.

If you are at the beach or near the coast, drop, cover and hold then move to higher ground immediately in case a tsunami follows the quake.

If you are driving, pull over to a clear location, stop and stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Once the shaking stops, proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged.

If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling debris or landslides.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
Listen to your local radio stations as emergency management officials will be broadcasting the most appropriate advice for your community and situation.

Expect to feel aftershocks.

Check yourself for injuries and get first aid if necessary. Help others if you can.

Be aware that electricity supply could be cut, and fire alarms and sprinkler systems can go off in buildings during an earthquake even if there is no fire. Check for, and extinguish, small fires.

If you are in a damaged building, try to get outside and find a safe, open place. Use the stairs, not the elevators.

Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines, and stay out of damaged areas.

Only use the phone for short essential calls to keep the lines clear for emergency calls.

If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window, get everyone out quickly and turn off the gas if you can. If you see sparks, broken wires or evidence of electrical system damage, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box if it is safe to do so.

Keep your animals under your direct control as they can become disorientated. Take measures to protect your animals from hazards, and to protect other people from your animals.

If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading this exclusive report with Dribble NZ News