Find basic instructions on how you can get prepared and take part in New Zealand ShakeOut.
ShakeOut is a self-run earthquake and tsunami drill. We will not send a notification.
ShakeOut takes place across the world to remind people of the right action to take during an earthquake. You can start the drill in whatever way works for you. All you need to do is Drop, Cover and Hold for 60 seconds and practice your evacuation if you are in a tsunami evacuation zone.
In an earthquake Drop, Cover and Hold.
Drop, Cover and Hold is the right action to take in an earthquake. It:
Do not run outside during earthquake shaking or you risk getting hit by falling bricks and glass.
Practising Drop, Cover and Hold means you can quickly take the right action in an earthquake.
Learn how to Drop, Cover and Hold in different situations or if you have a mobility impairment.
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.
Drop, Cover and Hold if there is earthquake shaking. As soon as the shaking stops, move immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can out of tsunami evacuation zones. Even if you can't get out of your evacuation zone, go as far or as high as you can. Every metre makes a difference.
Practicing your tsunami hīkoi (evacuation) means you know where to go if there is a Long or Strong earthquake.
ShakeOut takes place across the world to remind people of the right action to take during an earthquake. Drop, Cover and Hold. You can also practise a tsunami hīkoi (evacuation) if you're in a coastal area.
Sign up for ShakeOut 2024!
Sign up for shakeoutShakeOut is a self-run drill. You can start it in whatever way works for you. You could:
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.
Then if you are in a tsunami evacuation zone, practice your tsunami hīkoi. Move immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can out of tsunami evacuation zones.
Practicing your tsunami hīkoi means you know where to go if there is a Long or Strong earthquake. Remember if an earthquake is Long or Strong, Get Gone.
Use this New Zealand ShakeOut audio announcement to start your earthquake drill. Play it through a speaker or PA so everyone knows the correct action to take.
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.
learn about tsunami hīkoiAfter your ShakeOut drill and tsunami hīkoi:
Learn why Drop, Cover and Hold is the right action to take in an earthquake.
Learn what to do in an earthquake in different scenarios. Watch these earthquake safety videos produced by the Southern California Earthquake Center.
Drop, Cover and Hold is the right action to take in an earthquake. Watch this short video to find out more about Drop Cover and Hold.
If an earthquake is Long or Strong, Get Gone. Watch this short video to find about Long or Strong, Get Gone.
Download and share this factsheet on what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Tīkina ake, tiria hoki tēnei pukameka mō ngā mahi me whakamahi ā mua, ā roto, ā muri hoki i tētahi rū whenua.
Download and share this factsheet on what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Download and share this factsheet in English about what to do before, during and after a tsunami.
Tīkina ake, tiria hoki tēnei pukameka mō ngā mahi me whakamahi ā mua, ā roto, ā muri hoki i tētahi ngaru taitoko.
Download and share this factsheet in Te Reo Māori about what to do before, during and after a tsunami.
Say thanks to kids by giving them our New Zealand ShakeOut 2024 certificate in English or Māori.
New Zealand ShakeOut is our national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi.