Hutt gets in behind Shakeout drill

Well-drilled youngsters: Staff and children at Kelson Kindergarten go through a mock “drop, cover and hold” exercise.

At 9.26am on September 26, nearly a million people are expected to “drop, cover and hold” in response to a simulated quake. The measure is the recognised way to respond in the event of being caught inside a building during a shake.

The council’s Shakeout co-ordinator, May Haines, says any members of the public who happen to be in council facilities at the time – including offices, pools and community halls – would be encouraged to get involved.

Organisers of Shakeout say more than 925,000 individuals have committed themselves to taking part in the national drill, but they are still looking for more to sign up to reach their target of a million participants.

More information can be found at huttcity.govt.nz.