New Zealand experiences thousands of earthquakes every year. Most are either very deep or centred well offshore, causing little damage or injury. However, a severe earthquake can occur at any time with devastating effects.
WHAT IS AN EARTHQUAKE?
The surface of our planet is not a complete shell, but is made up of large pieces, much like a jig-saw puzzle, called tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are always on the move. Tension builds up as they scrape over, under or past each other.
In some places movement between the plates is happening all the time, causing frequent small or moderate earthquakes. Other areas, where the movement is not constant, are prone to stronger quakes separated by longer periods of time.
Before
- Practise your earthquake drill: DROP, COVER and HOLD.
- Identify safe places close to you at home or school.
- A safe place is under a strong table (remember to hold onto the legs), or next to an interior wall. Take no more than a few steps to avoid injury.
- Talk with your family about an emergency plan and survival items.
- Help your parents to secure heavy items of furniture to the floor or wall. Find out more at www.eq-iq.org.nz.
During
- If you are inside a building, take no more than a few steps, DROP, COVER AND HOLD.
- If you are outside, move no more than a few steps, DROP, COVER AND HOLD.
- If you are in the car you should ask the driver to pull over and stop.
- 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.
After
- Remember there may be some aftershocks.
- Listen to and follow all instructions from adults or the radio.
- If you are in a damaged building, try to get outside and find a safe, open place.
- Help others who may need it, if you can do so safely.
- Watch out for possible dangers or hazards.
- Remember your prepared emergency plan and follow it, if it is safe to do.
Drop, cover and hold still the best advice - Earthquake safety fact sheet (PDF 276 Kb)