Thousands in the Bay ready for shake out

Almost 38,000 people in the Western Bay will be scrambling for cover tomorrow as part of a national earthquake drill.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management is encouraging businesses, schools and families around the country to sign up to take part in New Zealand Shakeout at 9.26am tomorrow.

There are currently 29,900 people registered in Tauranga City and 7,825 people registered throughout the rest of the
Western Bay.

More than 1.2 million New Zealanders have signed up for the drill to make sure they are prepared for an earthquake wherever they are.

New Zealand is located across the boundary of two tectonic plates and is susceptible to earthquakes.

10,000-15,000 earthquakes are recorded each year in and around New Zealand but only about 150 of these are felt, according to the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

The Bay of Plenty is one of the most seismically active areas of New Zealand. Earthquake activity is greatest in the
central part of the region, within the area encompassed by the Taupo Volcanic Zone (Taupo Fault Belt) and the North Island Shear Belt, the ministry said.

Earthquake drill director John Hamilton said he was delighted with the response so far but is encouraging people to make it more than a one-off drill.

"Immediately after the drill is a good time for people to stop and talk about the drill, what they did, what might happen in a real earthquake, their preparedness and also consider other emergencies.

Many of the things people do to prepare for an earthquake are also important for other emergencies," Mr Hamilton said.

He would also like people to send in videos and photos showing what they did for the drill.

The images will be loaded on to the Shakeout website.

Go to www.shakeout.govt.nz for information and to register.

*Send us your photos and videos to news@bayofplentytimes.co.nz