Get Ready for ShakeOut

Marlborough people have grasped the importance of being prepared for the next big earthquake; almost nine thousand people have signed up to take part in the national earthquake exercise coming up next month, more than in the Nelson and Tasman districts combined.

ShakeOut – the country’s first national earthquake drill will be held at 9.26 am Wednesday, 26 September.

If you’re a club or community group that would normally be gathering together at this time, you are urged to register and have your group participate in this exercise.

Marlborough’s schools have been great at signing on. It’s not too late for those who haven’t still to do so.
There are specific instructions for businesses, community organisations, public services and agencies, iwi and the rural community.

Remember the message: Drop, cover and hold on.

Ground shaking in an earthquake seldom causes injury. Most of the injuries and deaths are caused by collapsing walls and roofs, flying glass and falling objects. It’s extremely important to move as little as possible to reach a place of safety because most injuries occur when people try to move more than a short distance during the shaking.

Look around you now, before an earthquake. Identify safe places such as under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall in your home, office or school so that when the shaking starts you can react quickly. Getting quickly into a safe place could save your life. That safe place should be within a few steps to two metres, to avoid injury from flying debris.

www.shakeout.govt.nz