Hundreds of Western Bay residents got down to the ground or under tables for this year’s ShakeOut.
ShakeOut is Aotearoa New Zealand's national earthquake and tsunami drill, organised by Emergency Management New Zealand and promoted by Western Bay of Plenty District Council throughout the District.
Many schools and workplaces in coastal Western Bay also did the Tsunami Hīkoi, following their evacuation plans to get to higher ground or as far inland as possible in preparation for a tsunami threat.
Tamariki from Waihī Beach School have been learning about the various emergencies that could happen in their area and were excited to be taking part in the ShakeOut and Tsunami Hīkoi.
Principal/Tumuaki Rachael Coll says the Shakeout and Tsunami Hīkoi is an important event on the school calendar.
“Being in a coastal location, our kura needs to be prepared for a potential tsunami threat, and our tamariki did a great job – they were calm, looked after each other and listened to their kaiako to get to our evacuation point quickly.”
“To prepare the tamariki we used the great learning resources and videos on the Get Ready website, as well as doing drills every term so we all know exactly what to do in a real emergency.”
Council’s Resilience Advisor Elle Reid says it’s vital for everyone – young or old – to practice what to do in case of emergency and have a plan in place for their whānau.
The ShakeOut and Tsunami Hīkoi is a perfect time to think about the ‘what if’s’ and get a plan in place and grab bags sorted.
“Big thanks to everyone for taking part in the ShakeOut and Tsunami Hīkoi this year – an especially important year marking the 10th anniversary of the ShakeOut in New Zealand.
“And a special shout out to Waihī Beach School for letting us spend the morning with them – it’s great to see that our tamariki are well prepared for an emergency and that whānau are on board with the school’s emergency plan to keep their tamariki safe,” says Elle.
Here at Western Bay of Plenty District Council, our team also did the ‘Drop, Cover, Hold’ exercise, taking cover under desks or strong doorways in case an earthquake was to happen while we’re in the office.
For further information on hazards, how to get prepared for an emergency and learning resources, see our webpage.