In light of recent seismic events in and around New Zealand, we thought it might be helpful to provide some top tips to help you get by in the event of an earthquake.  This information in no way replaces the government’s Get Thru advice, but is supplementary to it.  If anyone has any additional tips, we’d love to hear them, so either leave a comment or send them to us here.

During an earthquake, you must drop, cover and hold, and remain that way until the shaking has stopped.

The single, most important thing you can do after an earthquake has struck is to take responsibility for yourself and your family.  The aftermath of an earthquake can be frightening and disorientating, so take a minute, catch your breath, and assess your situation.

Knowing the priorities for survival will allow you to take some control of the situation and make sensible, informed decisions for you and your family, learn to improvise and adapt what you have around you so you can meet these priorities.  The order in which you apply them will depend on the specific circumstances you find yourself in.

The Priorities for Survival

Protection

Danger – Get clear of any immediate dangers

First Aid – Have a first aid kit and know how to use it

Shelter – Improvise or adapt what you have around you

Heat – Needed for warmth, cooking, hygiene needs, morale and to purify water

For more information on protection, click here

Location

Communications – Text, don’t call, the networks will become overloaded quickly.

– Have an analogue phone, radio and batteries

– Touch base with your neighbourhood Civil Defence person

For more information on location, click here

Water 

Find ways to collect water

Know how to purify water

Store as much water as you can

For more information on how to collect, purify and store water, click here

Food

For infants, children, the elderly and infirm, food is much more important than it is for fit and healthy adults, so keep a food supply that’s appropriate for you and your family members.  For more information on food requirements, click here

Ultimately, following an earthquake, or any other natural disaster, it may take days for help to arrive, so it will be up to you to take care of your family.  With just a little basic knowledge and some skills, you will be far better placed to make smart decisions for you and your family, and take control of the situation.