The University is participating in the New Zealand Shakeout this Thursday at 9.15am. The plan is to hold a nation wide drill at that time.

The instructions from the official shake out website are as follows:

Signal the start of the drill at 9.15am.

Do the Drop, Cover, and Hold drill for 30-45 seconds:

• DROP down on your hands and knees. This position protects you from falling but allows you to still move if necessary.
• COVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk (if it is no more than a few steps away from you). If there is no shelter nearby, get down near an interior wall (or next to low-lying furniture that won’t fall on you), and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
• HOLD on to your shelter (or your position to protect your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around.
• If you will be in an elevator, outside, or in other situations during your drill or in an actual earthquake, you can adjust these steps.
• Instructions are also available for people with disabilities or special requirements.

While you are doing the drill, imagine that it is real and what might be happening around you. Think about what you might need to do before a real earthquake happens to help protect yourself and your staff (and customers).

Further information is available from the website but it is hoped that refreshing the procedure will keep us prepared.

Tim O’Sullivan