Get Out of the Blue: Eastern Bay Prepares for Shakeout

Eastern Bay of Plenty residents are being encouraged to check their tsunami evacuation zones and practise how they would reach safety as part of New Zealand’s annual ShakeOut earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi this Wednesday.

The national drill will take place at 1.30pm on Wednesday, 21 October, giving households, schools, workplaces and community groups an opportunity to practise what to do during an earthquake and prepare for the possibility of a tsunami.

This year, Whakatāne District Council’s campaign is focused on helping people understand what it means to “Get Out of the Blue," a message encouraging anyone in a designated tsunami evacuation zone to know how to leave the area quickly and safely if a tsunami threat occurs.

The blue zones shown on tsunami evacuation maps identify areas that may need to be evacuated during a tsunami threat.

People who live, work, study or spend time in these areas are encouraged to familiarise themselves with their nearest safe route and practise getting out of the zone.

Whakatāne District Council Emergency Management Officer John Eruera said ShakeOut was a practical opportunity for people to build habits that could save lives.

“ShakeOut is a quick, practical reminder of what to do. Take 60 seconds to Drop, Cover and Hold, and then, if you’re in a tsunami evacuation zone, practise your evacuation hīkoi too,” Eruera said.

Updated tsunami evacuation maps were released earlier this year, and new evacuation signage had also been installed across the rohe.

Eruera said the drill was an opportunity for residents to become familiar with the maps, identify whether they were in a blue zone and work out how they would reach safety.

“New tsunami evacuation maps show areas that may need to be evacuated during a tsunami threat.

“If you live, work, learn or spend time in a blue zone, we want you to know how to get out of it quickly and safely,” he said.

Residents were encouraged to check their evacuation zone before Wednesday and use the drill to practise their route, including considering how long it would take to reach safety on foot.

“Knowing your zone and having a plan can make all the difference in an emergency,” Eruera said.

“If you’re in the blue zone, take a few minutes this ShakeOut to think about how you would get to safety and how long it might take.”

ShakeOut also encourages people throughout New Zealand to practise the recommended response during an earthquake: Drop, Cover and Hold.

At 1.30pm on Wednesday, people should drop to their hands and knees, cover their head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Alternative actions are available for people who cannot safely use the standard position.

Those who use a cane or walking aid can practise Sit, Cover and Hold, while wheelchair users can practise Lock, Cover and Hold.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) encouraged households, schools, workplaces and community groups to participate, with more than 615,000 people signed up nationally at the time of its announcement.

NEMA Deputy Chief Executive Emergency Management John Price said practising emergency responses helped people build confidence and made it easier to respond when seconds counted.

Residents are encouraged to use ShakeOut as an opportunity to talk with whānau, colleagues and classmates about emergency plans, check tsunami evacuation maps and practise getting to safety.

ShakeOut takes place at 1.30pm on Wednesday, 21 October.

Remember: Drop, Cover and Hold during an earthquake, and if you are in a tsunami evacuation zone, know how to get out of the blue.