What you should do:
Drop, Cover and Hold. Get under a sturdy table or desk, cover your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops. If you are outside, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines, then Drop, Cover and Hold.
If the earthquake felt long or strong, move immediately to higher ground or as far inland as possible — this is the natural warning for tsunami. Do not wait for sirens or official alerts before moving. Follow tsunami evacuation zone signage where available. getready.govt.nz/emergency/tsunami/tsunami-evacuation-zones
Check yourself and others
Check yourself for injuries and get first aid if needed. Help others if you can. If you are in a damaged building, use the stairs — not elevators — to get outside. Watch for fallen power lines, broken gas lines, and structural damage, and stay out of affected areas.
If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, open a window, get everyone out, and turn off the gas if it is safe to do so. If you see sparks or electrical damage, turn off power at the main fuse box if safe. Check for and extinguish any small fires.
Expect aftershocks
Aftershocks are expected and may continue for days, weeks, or months. Each time you feel one, Drop, Cover and Hold.
Stay informed
Listen to local radio for official updates. Follow instructions from Otago Emergency Management. Phone 111 only if life is at risk — keep lines clear for emergency calls. Share this information with whānau, neighbours and friends.
If your property has been damaged, photograph it for insurance purposes.
