Find basic instructions on how you can get prepared and take part in New Zealand ShakeOut.
ShakeOut is held across the world to remind people of the right action to take during an earthquake — Drop, Cover and Hold — and to practise a tsunami hīkoi (evacuation) if in a coastal area.
ShakeOut is a self-run drill. You can start it 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:
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.
This New Zealand ShakeOut audio announcement can be used to facilitate your Drop Cover and Hold earthquake drill. Play it through a speaker or PA so everyone knows the correct action to take.
shakeout-drill-day-audio-en-jul19.mp3 | mp3 | 1.9 MB |
If you are in a tsunami evacuation zone you should practise your evacuation route, or ‘tsunami hīkoi’. A tsunami hīkoi is a walk that takes you along your tsunami evacuation route either inland or towards high ground.
Find out moreAfter your ShakeOut drill and tsunami hīkoi:
Download and print these Certificates of Participation for kids as a thank you for taking part in New Zealand ShakeOut 2020.
shakeout-certificate-blank-pos-a4-en-oct20.pdf | 138 KB |
shakeout-certificate-generic-pos-a4-en-oct20.pdf | 138 KB |
Download and share this factsheet in English on what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
drop-cover-earthquake-happens-fact-en-dec16.pdf | 2 MB |
Download and share this factsheet in Te Reo Māori on what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
drop-cover-earthquake-happens-fact-mi-jan17.pdf | 117 KB |
Download this factsheet that explains why Drop, Cover and Hold is the right action to take.
drop-cover-right-action-fact-en-apr15.pdf | 141 KB |
Drop, Cover and Hold is the right action to take in an earthquake. It stops you being knocked over, makes you a smaller target for falling and flying objects and protects your head, neck and vital organs. Watch this short video to find out more about Drop Cover and Hold.
Drop, Cover and Hold is the right action to take in an earthquake. It stops you being knocked over, makes you a smaller target for falling and flying objects and protects your head, neck and vital organs. Videos produced by the Southern California Earthquake Center.
Download and share this helpful factsheet in English about what to do before, during and after a tsunami.
long-strong-earthquake-fact-en-dec16.pdf | 1.9 MB |
Download and share this helpful factsheet in English and Te Reo Māori about what to do before, during and after a tsunami.
long-strong-earthquake-fact-mi-jan17.pdf | 104 KB |
For a local source tsunami, which could arrive in minutes, there won’t be time for an official warning. It is important to recognise the natural warning signs and act quickly. Remember, Long or Strong, Get Gone.