It’s almost time to Drop, Cover and Hold as part of our national earthquake drill, the New Zealand ShakeOut 2022.

Schools, businesses, families and individuals in the Ashburton District are being encouraged to take part in the drill on Thursday 27 October, at 9.30am.

You can prepare in advance by identifying a safe space, like under a strong table or next to an interior wall, to take refuge in a quake. Being prepared and having supplies on hand for several days is also part of advance planning.

Drop, Cover and Hold stops you being knocked over, makes you a smaller target for flying and falling objects and protects your head, neck and vital organs.

If you are driving when an earthquake happens, pull over to a clear location, stop and stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. If you are in bed, stay there.

Council Strategy and Compliance Group manager Jane Donaldson said earthquakes were in the top five emergency risks for the district.

“While we can’t predict when earthquakes will occur, scientific research has shown that the South Island’s alpine fault has a regular history of producing large earthquakes, and the next one is likely in our lifetimes.”

Council had an important role in civil defence emergency management as part of a Canterbury and national response team, she said.

“Schools and pre-schools are an obvious way to educate young people about earthquakes, but workplaces are also a way to share important information. We encourage everyone who can to take part in next week’s drill. Knowing what to do can save lives.”

Sign up for the ShakeOut at getready.govt.nz/involved/shakeout