Timely reminder on 10th anniversary of earthquake

Worse was to come: Peter Fitzgerald stands in a crack at the point where Highfield Road was lifted and wrenched sideways by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, 15 kilometres east of Darfield, Canterbury, on September 4, 2010. Less than six months later the deadly Christchurch quake struck, killing 185 people and devastating the region. NZ Herald picture

On the 10th anniversary of the 7.1 magnitude Darfield earthquake in Christchurch, Tairawhiti residents have been urged to consider their own quake risks and preparedness.

The Darfield was followed months later by the deadly Christchurch quake which killed 185 people and devastated the region on February 22, 2011.

“Many of us were affected and continue to be affected by what happened that day,' Gisborne District Council lifelines director David Wilson said.

“Our thoughts go out to those whanau and friends.

“For us in Tairawhiti, It is a time that we should reflect on our own risks and preparedness for an earthquake,” he said.

“All of New Zealand is at risk of earthquakes. We can't predict when one will happen, but we can protect and prepare ourselves, our friends and our whanau.”

Civil Defence and Emergency Management Tairawhiti recommends people make a plan with whanau, flatmates and friends of what they will do to get through an emergency.

Write the plan down and pin it to the fridge or somewhere handy.

Every household plan will be different and when you make your plan remember to include everyone, including your pets.

Think about the things you need every day, and think about what you would do if you didn't have them.

Check your emergency kit if you have one.

If you don't have one, prepare one.

Emergency kits should have at a minimum — food for two to three days; water for three days or more; alternative lighting such as a torch with spare batteries or a wind-up torch; gas lantern or light-sticks; a battery-operated or wind-up radio and spare batteries; first-aid kit and essential medications; blankets or warm waterproof clothing; alternative cooking methods such as a barbecue or gas cooker; an emergency plan, including where to meet and how to contact one another if separated.