KEY POINTS:
Below is Civil Defence's advice on how to react in an earthquake
The danger you face in an earthquake comes from falling debris and collapsing structures such as buildings and bridges. You need to be aware of these hazards to help you get through.
There are hundreds of earthquakes in New Zealand every year, but most of them are not felt because they are either small, or very deep within the earth. A large, damaging earthquake could occur at any time. The best way to prepare is to get ready now. Follow these simple steps:
Before an earthquake
Getting ready before an earthquake strikes will help reduce damage to your home and business and help you survive.
Develop a Household Emergency Plan and prepare an Emergency Survival Kit so that you can cope with being on your own for up to three days or more
Identify safe places within your home, school or workplace. A safe place is:
* under a strong table, remember to hold onto the legs
* next to an interior wall
* somewhere close to you, no more than a few steps, or two metres away, to avoid injury from flying debris
Check your household insurance policy for cover and amount
Seek qualified advice to make sure your house is secured to its foundations. Also check that any renovations comply with the NZ Building Code
Secure heavy items of furniture to the floor or wall. Click here to quake-safe your home
During an earthquake
* If you are inside a building, move to a safe place
* If you are outside, move no more than a few steps, then drop, cover and hold
* If you are driving, 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 an earthquake
* You should expect to feel aftershocks
* Help those around you if you can
* If you are in a damaged building, try to get outside and find a safe, open place
* Do not go sightseeing to look at the damage the earthquake has caused
* If you smell gas, try and turn off the gas main outside the building if it is safe to do so
* If you see sparks, broken wires or evidence of electrical system damage, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box if it is safe to do so
* If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes
* Listen to the radio for information and advice
>> Full advice on preparing for and coping with major emergencies
