New Zealand ShakeOut is our national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi. ShakeOut 2024 is happening Thursday 24 October at 9.30am. It is a self-run earthquake and tsunami drill. Civil Defence will not send a notification.

It 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.
Pāheke, Hīpoki me Pupuri

• Drop down on your hands and knees.
• Cover your head and neck.
• Hold on to your shelter.

Drop, Cover, and Hold are the right actions to take in an earthquake. This:

• stops you from being knocked over,
• make you a smaller target for falling and flying objects, and
• protects your head, neck, and vital organs.

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.

There is information, including in large print, audio, and Braille about how to Drop, Cover, and Hold in different situations or if you have a mobility impairment here: https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/earthquakes/drop-cover-hold

There is also a range of information on general emergency preparedness available in alternate formats including large print, audio, and Braille here: https://getready.govt.nz/alternate-formats

If Blind Citizens NZ can assist you in obtaining any of this information, do not hesitate to let us know. Contact details are at the end of this Focus issue.