26 September 2012

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence and Emergency Management Media Release

More Than 46,900 In Hawke’s Bay Take Part In Today’s National Earthquake Drill

More than 46,900 Hawke’s Bay people took part in New Zealand’s biggest ever earthquake drill, New Zealand ShakeOut at 9.26 this morning.

Nationally more than 1.3 million people did the “Drop, Cover and Hold” earthquake drill at 9:26-26:9 (9:26am on 26 September 2012).

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Manager Ian Macdonald says that is a great result for Hawke’s Bay.

“The goal was to have 35,000 Hawke’s Bay people take part and we’ve exceeded that target by over 10,000. In fact on a portion of population basis, Hawke’s Bay had the second highest number of participants, behind the Wellington region,” says Mr Macdonald.

He is encouraging those who took part today to upload their photos of people performing the drill to upload them to the ShakeOut website (www.getthru.govt.nz) and be in the draw to win some great prizes that will help them prepare for an emergency, like solar powered torches.

Mr Macdonald says the earthquake drill has been the focal point of New Zealand ShakeOut because it is a clear, simple action that people can take to help prepare them for an earthquake.

“It is also a first step, and we are encouraging people to look at their preparedness in more detail, including their emergency kits, getaway bags and family plans.”

ENDS

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