EARTHQUAKES

The Gisborne/Tairāwhiti region generally experiences 2200-plus earthquakes every year but only 10-20 of these may be felt widely and around 100 described as 'slight shaking'. Only 15 large magnitude 6+ landslides have occurred in the region since 1900 and only two were greater than magnitude 7. The December 2007 Gisborne Earthquake had the most significant impact on the region despite being only magnitude 6.7 but it resulted in more than 3000 insurance claims.

Earthquakes don’t just result in shaking but can also cause secondary impacts including landslides, liquefaction and lateral spread on properties close to rivers. In the worst case they can cause localised tsunami which is what happened in 1947.

All of New Zealand is at risk of earthquakes. Each year, more than 15,000 earthquakes are recorded in New Zealand, but only around 100-150 are strong enough to be felt.

As well as triggering hazards like landslides, tsunami and flash floods they can also cause dams to burst, fires and avalanches.

While we can’t predict when an earthquake will happen, you can reduce your risk by knowing what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Get ready for earthquakes

There are simple steps that you, your family and workplace can do to be prepared for earthquakes.

Here are four easy things you can do to get ready:

• Move heavy items and books to lower shelves.
• Get hooks for your art and pictures (single nails won’t stay secure).
• Stick (BlueTack) fragile objects to surfaces.
• Identify places in each room to drop, cover and hold.

 Before an earthquake

Prepare your home and workplace to minimise injury and damage.

• Make an emergency plan with your household.
• Assemble and maintain your emergency supplies for your home and workplace, as well as a grab bag.
• Practice drop, cover and hold around your home and workplace. Seek out places like under a sturdy table.
• Check your household and contents insurance policy to see if you have adequate cover.
• There are easy ways you canquake-safe your home – including fastening and reordering shelves. 
• Have a qualified builder look at your foundations and ensure any renovations comply with the current New Zealand Building Code.

During an earthquake

• Drop to the floor, cover your head and neck under a sturdy table (if there is no shelter nearby, cover your head and neck with your arms and hands) and hold on until the shaking stops.
• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. Do not run outside as you may be hit by bricks and glass. You are safer inside under a table.
• If you are outside, move no more than a few steps away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines, then drop, cover and hold. Next to a car is better than nothing.
• If you are near the coast, remember – Long or Strong, Get Gone. Drop, cover and hold until shaking stops then move to higher ground immediately in case a tsunami follows the quake.
• If you are driving, pull over to a clear location, stop and stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Once the shaking stops, proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged.
• If you are in a mountainous area or near slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling debris and landslides.

If you are unable to Drop, Cover and Hold . . . 

• Get as low as possible and move away from windows or other items that can fall on you.
• If you use a wheelchair, lock your wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops. If possible, cover your head and neck.
• People who are blind or vision impaired; move with caution after an earthquake, furniture and items may have fallen.

After an earthquake

• Be ready to drop, cover and hold for any aftershocks.
• Check yourself for injuries and get first aid if necessary. Help others if you can.
• Listen to local radio stations for official advice.
• Be aware that electricity supply could be cut and fire alarms and sprinkler systems can go off in buildings even if there is no fire.
• Check for small fires and extinguish them if safe to do so. Call 111 for major fires, damage or injury.
• If you are in a damaged building, wait for advice from emergency wardens. If no one is around, try to get outside and find a safe, open place.
• Use the stairs, not the elevators.
• Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and stay out of damaged areas.
• Use social media or text messages instead of calling to keep phone lines clear for emergency calls. Shorter text messages are more likely to get through.
• Keep your animals under your direct control as they can become disorientated. Take measures to protect your animals from hazards and to protect other people from your animals.
• If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.