Council is hoping to encourage as many people as possible in the Ruapehu region to take part in this year’s ‘ShakeOut 2022’ national earthquake drill on October 27 at 9:30am.
The yearly ShakeOut exercise encourages schools, businesses, organisations, and whānau to sign-up online then ‘Drop, Cover, Hold’ for 30 to 60 seconds at 9:30am when the practice earthquake hits.
Ruapehu Emergency Management Officer Andrew Chambers said that exercises such as the ShakeOut are a great way of keeping yourself, your friends and whānau safe by instinctively knowing what to do in the event of a real earthquake.
“With New Zealand being located on the boundary of two of the world’s major tectonic plates we are particularly earthquake prone,” he said.
“As these plates slowly drive against each other, causing one to be pushed past and under the other, Aotearoa-NZ can experience some very big shakes as we have seen in recent memory.
To take part in ShakeOut 2022 simply sign up online at SHAKEOUT.GOVT.NZ where you will find everything you need to know about taking part and also be in the draw to win a Civil Defence wheelie bin or a personal grab bag!
On the ShakeOut website you will find some useful resources including posters, videos, and articles to help you and your whānau, friends and work mates learn how to prepare and respond to a real earthquake event.
If you are involved with young people as a caregiver or teacher, you will find some great resources specifically made for them.
Council has also made up a special colouring-in activityfeaturing Stan the dog practising for the ShakeOut which you will find in the local papers, on our website – ruapehudc.govt.nz or can be picked up at your local Council office.
When your kids have finished bring their picture back into your local library so we can put it on display,” he said.
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