After an earthquake
Tsunami
Move quickly to safety by foot or bicycle – inland or uphill. Don’t drive.
Follow any Tsunami Blue Arrows and evacuation route signs to the nearest safe area or above the Blue Tsunami Lines. Keep going to make room for others evacuating behind you.
Check if you live, work or regularly visit places in a tsunami zone
Connecting with others
Meet at your chosen safe place before trying to get home.
Tell people you are safe by updating your social media status and voicemail message (if you can). Text, don’t call, to reduce the load on the network.
Kids
Make sure everyone knows what the plan is. Don’t put yourself in danger by going to the school when your children are safe somewhere else! Collect them when it is safe to do so.
View your school's emergency plan
Make your home safe
Turn off gas to prevent explosions only if you hear or smell gas leaking.
Turn off electricity if the power goes out, or you have to evacuate, there could be damaged wires that you can’t see.
Turn off water, especially if you think there is damage to the pipes. Leaking water can damage your home.
Read about how to make your home safer
Water and sanitation
Boil untreated water for a minute before using it, or add ½ teaspoon of plain unperfumed household bleach to 10 litres of water. Leave for 30 minutes before drinking.
Don’t flush toilets. Dig a hole for your waste, if you can. Stay clean.
Read about options for an emergency toilet
Check on your neighbours
Check on your neighbours – particularly anyone who lives alone, or who has limited mobility.
Support each other by sharing your skills and resources.
Read about how to connect with your neighbours
Go to your local Community Emergency Hub:
- If you need assistance.
- If you can provide assistance by sharing resources and skills.
- To gather and share information on what has happened in your neighbourhood.
- To coordinate your community’s response locally and pass on information to your council’s Emergency Operations Centre.
Find your local Community Emergency Hub
Visit wremo.nz or listen to your local radio for emergency information.