Residents living on the Hibiscus Coast are encouraged to actively participate in the upcoming national Shake Out, which serves as a vital earthquake drill and tsunami evacuation exercise.

This event is crucial as it reinforces the correct actions residents should take during an earthquake, namely the ‘drop, cover, and hold’ technique. Furthermore, it offers a valuable opportunity to rehearse tsunami evacuation procedures, especially as we live along the coast.

Mark your calendars for the New Zealand Shake Out, set to take place at 9.30am on Thursday, 19 October.  

Currently, there are 513,260 registered participants nationwide, with 116,256 (7%) in Auckland. Of these are 157 businesses, 501 schools, and 635 households.

If you'd like to take part, please register at https://getready.govt.nz/en/involved/shakeout/sign-up/

Before the drill, it's imperative to identify your tsunami evacuation zone and establish evacuation plans, if you reside near the coast. 

Equally important is gaining an understanding of earthquake and tsunami risks not only in your area but also in other parts of New Zealand.

Encouraging schools to actively engage in emergency preparedness efforts is crucial, as students' participation can serve as motivation for their parents to enhance their own preparedness.

The Shake Out is a self-directed exercise, allowing you the flexibility to initiate it in a manner that suits your needs.

You can utilise a bell, whistle, alarm, or even make an announcement over a public address system.

During the drill, always remember to ‘drop’ down to your hands and knees, ‘cover’ your head and neck (or your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk, and ‘hold’ onto your shelter or protective position until the shaking subsides. If your shelter moves, adjust it accordingly.

While participating in the drill, be attentive to your surroundings and contemplate the necessary preparations that would be required in a real earthquake scenario.

For further information about the Shake Out event, please visit https://getready.govt.nz/en/involved/shakeout/