Hibiscus Coast residents are urged to join the rest of the world for the national Shake Out.

A Shake Out is the national earthquake drill and tsunami evacuation walk. It takes places to remind people of the right action to take during an earthquake - drop, cover, and hold! You can also practice the tsunami evacuation walk, which is vital as we live on the coast.

The New Zealand Shake Out will take place at 9.30am on Thursday, 27 October.

There are almost 600 000 participants already registered to take part, and if you want to be a part of it, then go to https://getready.govt.nz/en/involved/shakeout/sign-up/

Before the drill, it is vital that you know your tsunami evacuation zone.

Make plans for an evacuation walk if you live near the coast. You must also learn about the earthquake and tsunami risk in your area, and other parts of New Zealand. 

Schools are encouraged to get involved in preparing for emergencies as the children will encourage their parents to be more prepared.

The Shake Out is a self-run drill. You can start it in whatever way works for you. You could use a bell, whistle, or alarm.

You can shout out “Earthquake drill” or play the New Zealand Shake Out Announcement over your PA system. You then drop, cover, and hold for 30-60 seconds. 

Drop: down to your hands and knees. This protects you from falling but lets you move if you need to.

Cover: your head and neck (or your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk (if one is close by). If there is no shelter nearby, cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.

Hold: on to your shelter (or your position to protect your head and neck) until the shaking stops. If the shaking shifts your shelter around, move with it.

While you are doing the drill, take note of what might be happening around you in a real earthquake. Think about what you might need to do to prepare for a real earthquake. 

For more information about the Shake Out, go to https://getready.govt.nz/en/involved/shakeout/