Would you know where to go in the case of a tsunami warning?
A major earthquake could trigger a tsunami which would reach the east coast in 50 minutes.
Hawke's Bay Civil Defence group controller Ian Macdonald said people shouldn't wait for an official warning to evacuate.
"There may be a time when a local earthquake causes a tsunami so suddenly that we don't have time to warn anyone. People should not wait for a siren or a knock on the door: If you feel an earthquake that is 'long or strong, get gone' is the message."
Civil Defence recommends evacuating by foot, as roads will get congested.