What to do after an earthquake

  1. Expect aftershocks and remember to drop, cover and hold.
  2. Look after yourself and get first aid if necessary. Help others if you can.
  3. Assess your home or workplace for damage. If the building appears unsafe get everyone out. Use the stairs, not an elevator and when outside, watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines. Stay out of damaged areas.
  4. Look for and extinguish small fires if it is safe to do so. Fire is a significant hazard following earthquakes.
  5. Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.
  6. Do not overload phone lines with non-emergency calls.
  7. Help people who require special assistance – infants, elderly people, those without transportation, families who may need additional help, people with disabilities and the people who care for them.

Links to information about:

Get Ready earthquake information https://getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/earthquakes/

Food safety in an emergency https://www.mpi.govt.nz/funding-rural-support/adverse-events/food-safety-in-natural-disasters-and-emergencies/

State Highway conditions http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/ 

Earthquake monitoring www.geonet.org.nz

Reporting earthquakes www.geonet.org.nz

Earthquake insurance www.eqc.govt.nz

How to “quake safe” your home https://www.eqc.govt.nz/be-prepared/

Science of earthquakes www.gns.cri.nz