The Wellington City Council will hold its first tsunami practice for staff tomorrow.
The practice would run from 2.50pm-3.30pm, during which time the council's service centre and Wakefield Street offices would be closed.
"If a large earthquake is felt in Wellington, it could quickly be followed by a tsunami - and people in low-lying areas around the inner harbour could be at risk," Wellington Civil Defence Controller Mike Mendonca said.
"Obviously, if a tsunami is on the way, people should head inland or to high ground as quickly as possible. If, however, they are in multi-storey buildings in low-lying areas like the CBD (central business district) and there's strong shaking then - if the building is still safe - they should not go in to the streets but instead head up."
People should not stop until they were at least above level two.
