Thursday 16 October is New Zealand’s national earthquake drill and tsunami evacuation. Knowing the right immediate action to take in a tsunami can save lives.

Long or Strong? Get Gone.

• If you’re in a tsunami evacuation zone and an earthquake is long or strong – get gone. An earthquake that lasts more than a minute OR makes it hard to stand up is a natural tsunami warning.
• Move immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as possible. Don’t wait for an official warning – go immediately.
• Find out if you’re in a tsunami evacuation zone at ccc.govt.nz/tsunami

Be prepared

• Have emergency supplies gathered at home and grab bags ready for everyone in your family. This is a small bag with essential supplies including warm clothes, water and food, important documents, torch etc. Learn more at getready.govt.nz

Plan your evacuation

• Talk with your household about a safe place to go outside of the tsunami evacuation zone. If you have friends or family that live outside of the evacuation zones, talk with them now about whether you can go to their place during an evacuation.

• Talk with your household how you’ll get to your safe place. Plan what route you will take and what form of transport you will use. If possible, walk or bike, this could make your evacuation faster.

• Create your emergency evacuation plan. This lets everyone know what to do and where to go in an emergency. Print it out, stick it on the fridge and make sure everyone knows the plan. Email it around your household members.