Why Should You Participate?
We all must get better prepared for major earthquakes, and also practice how to protect ourselves when they happen. The purpose of the ShakeOut is to help people and organizations do both.
Living along the Alpine fault, all West Coasters may one day experience a major earthquake. The box at lower left provides information about the fault, it's likely earthquakes, and what may happen one day if the earthquake happens.
We all have reasons that we have, or have not, prepared for earthquakes. The box at lower right suggests reasons why you may choose to participate in the ShakeOut, links to how different groups can participate, and what is happening in your district.
The following information provides the basis for why it is important for all West Coasters to participate in the ShakeOut drill:
The science behind the risk: An excellent summary about the Alpine Fault and its role in shaping New Zealand.
The consequences of a large earthquake on the West Coast: What will happen when the Alpine Fault eventually ruptures in a major earthquake.
Te Ara Encylopedia of New Zealand is a good general on-line resource for natural hazard information. Links to Active Faults (which includes the Alpine Fault), Earthquakes, Historic Earthquakes (including experiences of those who have experienced large earthquakes), and Plate Boundary help gather a quick overview of the New Zealand situation.
GNS Science has lots of information about natural hazards in New Zealand from a scientific perspective and links to Geonet which is a scientific monitoring programme with public access.
West Coast Regional Council has information about West Coast specific natural hazards.
NZ Alpine Fault Blog gives an account of a teacher fellow’s journey in the preparation of the ShakeOut.
Why is it important to do a Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill? As with anything, to react quickly you must practice often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake, before strong shaking knocks you down--or drops something on you.
- You should participate if:
- You know that life-saving actions that must be done instantly, such as drop, cover, and hold on, must be practiced often.
- You want to use the ShakeOut as a reason for getting prepared now.
- You were invited to register by someone you know, and you want to join them.
- You are excited that so many people are working together to prepare New Zealand!
As a registered ShakeOut participant you will:
- Be counted in the largest earthquake drill ever!
- Be included on lists of
who is participating in your area - Be an example that motivates others
to participate and get prepared - Be updated with ShakeOut news and other information about earthquakes and preparedness
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