How to ShakeOut

Find basic instructions on how you can get prepared and take part in New Zealand ShakeOut.

Before the drill

• Sign up to ShakeOut - it only takes two minutes.
• Make a note of the date and time in your calendar – 9:30am, 15 October 2020. If the date and time don't work for you, you can ShakeOut anytime within two weeks of the national drill and still be counted.
• Know your tsunami evacuation zone. Make plans for a tsunami hīkoi if you are in a coastal area.
• Learn about the earthquake and tsunami risk in your area and other parts of New Zealand.
• Share the ShakeOut - use our resources to get the people around you involved.
• Download and share our Drop, Cover and Hold and Long or Strong: Get Gone posters to remind yourself and others what to do in an earthquake or tsunami. 

Doing the drill

You can start your ShakeOut drill in whatever way works for you. Use a bell, whistle or alarm, play the New Zealand ShakeOut Announcement over your PA system, shout “EARTHQUAKE DRILL” or tune in to our livestream.

Drop, Cover and Hold for 30–60 seconds:

• 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 of you). 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.

After the drill

After your ShakeOut drill and tsunami hīkoi:

• Talk about what you learned with your family, workmates, flatmates or friends.
• Make changes or add to your household emergency plan, personal workplace plan, business emergency and continuity plans, or school / early childhood centre emergency plans if you need to.
• Share your ShakeOut photos, videos and stories on social media.