Waitomo District Council is encouraging as many people as possible to take part in this year’s ‘ShakeOut 2022’ national earthquake drill on 27 October.

The annual ShakeOut exercise encourages schools, businesses, organisations, and whānau to sign-up online then ‘Drop, Cover, Hold’ for 30 to 60 seconds at 9.30am when the “practice” earthquake hits.

Western Waikato Emergency Management Operations Manager Dave Simes says exercises such as the ShakeOut are a great way of keeping yourself, your friends and whānau safe by instinctively knowing what to do in the event of a real earthquake.

“With New Zealand being located on the boundary of two of the world’s major tectonic plates we are particularly earthquake prone,” he says.

“We can’t predict when one will happen, but we can protect ourselves and our whānau. It's important to practise the right action to take so that when a real earthquake happens, you know what to do.”

To take part in ShakeOut 2022 visit the website: shakeout.govt.nz where you will find everything you need to know about taking part.

By registering, you will also go in the draw to win a Civil Defence wheelie bin or a personal grab bag.

The website also contains useful resources including posters, videos, and articles to help you, your whānau, and friends learn how to prepare and respond to a real earthquake event.