Drop, cover and hold during ShakeOut 2020 drill

Published: 13 October 2020

Mid Canterbury residents are being encouraged to test their preparedness for an earthquake by checking their emergency plans and assuming the Drop, Cover and Hold position this week for ShakeOut 2020.

New Zealand's national earthquake and tsunami hīkoi,​ ShakeOut is happening this Thursday 15 October at 9.30am and the Ashburton District Council will be participating.

The Council's Customer Service team will alert customers visiting the Council at 9.00am and 9.15am that the drill will be happening. An announcement​ will then be made at 9.30am that the drill has started and will last for one minute.

ShakeOut is held all around the world to remind people what they should do during an earthquake and to practice a tsunami hīkoi (evacuation) if they live in a coastal area.
Businesses and organisations across the country have registered to take part in this year's drill, but everyone can participate.

​​What to do

Drop down on 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 it is within a few steps from you).

Hold onto 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.

To make sure you know what to do before, during and after an earthquake, check out the Get Ready Get Thru website getthru.govt.nz

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