Published: 2 October 2026
A major earthquake could happen at any time. A few simple things you do now could make a big difference to how you and your whānau cope.
New Zealand ShakeOut is on Wednesday 21 October at 1.30pm. It is a nationwide chance to practise what to do when the ground starts shaking. Anyone can take part.
Here are five things you can do to prepare now:
- Sign up for ShakeOut 2026 and practise Drop, Cover and Hold for 60 seconds at home, work or school.
- Make a simple household plan. Agree where you will meet if you can’t get home. Decide who could collect children if you can’t get to them. Talk about how you will stay in touch if phones or internet are down.
- Know your tsunami evacuation zone. If you live, work or spend time near the coast, know where you need to go. If an earthquake is long or strong, get gone. Once the shaking stops, move quickly out of the tsunami evacuation zone. Don’t wait for an official warning. Check Lower Hutt’s tsunami zones here.
- If possible, have enough supplies at home for at least seven days. This includes water, long-lasting food, medication and other essentials your household needs.
- Pack a grab bag in case you need to leave quickly. Include warm clothes, water, snacks, a portable phone charger, some cash, copies of important documents and photo ID. Keep medicines, a first aid kit, torch and radio somewhere you can grab them quickly.
It is also worth checking your home for heavy furniture or other objects that could fall during an earthquake and secure them where you can.
Getting ready does not need to be difficult or expensive. Start with a five-minute conversation with your household and practise what you would do.
Start today: Sign up for ShakeOut 2026 and find out how to get ready for an earthquake.