Media release
14 February 2016

Christchurch Earthquake

The National Crisis Management Centre has been stood down following its earlier activation to monitor today's earthquake in Christchurch.

Sarah Stuart-Black, Director, Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) says the response to this earthquake has been managed locally by Christchurch City Council. The National Crisis Management Centre was activated to monitor the situation and coordinate support across Government if it was required.

"MCDEM, local authorities, Government agencies, emergency services and scientific advisors worked closely together to monitor and assess the situation today, and were ready to provide support if needed," she says.

People in Christchurch who need information or whose property has been damaged should contact Christchurch City Council on 03 941 8999, email info@ccc.govt.nz<maito:info@ccc.govt.nz> or visit www.ccc.govt.nz<http://www.ccc.govt.nz>.

As a reminder, people in the affected area should:

* Expect aftershocks and remember to drop, cover and hold. (If you are inside a building, move no more than a few steps, drop, cover and hold. Stay indoors till the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. Generally, in New Zealand, you are safer if you stay where you are until the shaking stops).
* Look after yourself and get first aid if necessary. Help others if you can.
* Assess your home or workplace for damage. If the building appears unsafe get everyone out. Use the stairs, not an elevator and when outside, watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines. Stay out of damaged areas.
* Look for and extinguish small fires if it is safe to do so. Fire is a significant hazard following earthquakes.
* Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.
* Do not overload phone lines with non-emergency calls.
* Help people who require special assistance - infants, elderly people, those without transportation, families who may need additional help, people with disabilities and the people who care for them.

"As New Zealanders know, we are a country that regularly experiences earthquakes, so it's important to know what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

"Learn about the hazards that can affect you, make a plan with your family that includes what to do if you're not at home, assemble and maintain survival items for three days or more and have a getaway kit for each member of the family in case you need to leave in a hurry."

Find out more at www.getthru.govt.nz<http://www.getthru.govt.nz>.

ENDS

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