Register for Otago Gets Ready -
People on their feet will find it difficult to stay standing.
People in bed may not be able to get out of bed and/or stand.
If driving, it may be difficult to keep the vehicle on the road.
If you are in bed and the earthquake is violent, role onto your stomach, place your pillow over your head and place your hands above your pillow.
If you can, move to under a desk or table or stand in a doorway or in a corner.
Stay away from glass windows.
Do not use candles, matches or other open flames during or after the earthquake in case of gas leaks and after-shakes overturning the flame.
If you have a wood fire and it is operating, check that it is upright, that the flue remains connected and that the door glass is not broken.
Get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls and power lines.
The greatest danger from falling debris is outside and close to outer walls. If possible, move to an open area and sit if practicable.
Brake as quickly as you feel you can safely do so and pull over to the side of the road and come to a complete stop, but do not stop on bridges, beneath under-passes or underneath steep rock slopes.
Avoid stopping under power lines or next to poles.
If you are in your vehicle and a power line falls on your vehicle, assume that the power line is live and be very careful about how you exit your vehicle. Do not ever touch any part of the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
Stay inside your car until the shaking is over.
Be aware of hazards like falling tree branches and other debris, downed electrical wires and damaged roadways – move to a safe location.