Preparing for the big shake

Nearly 1.4 million New Zealanders dropped, covered, held or "did the turtle" on Thursday as they participated in the nationwide ShakeOut exercise, part of the international ShakeOut day of action.

At 9.15am on Thursday, schools, businesses, hospitals, workplaces, groups and individuals all showed they know what to do in the event of an earthquake.

Tyler Frandsen (4) at Rainbow Early Childcare Centre says he knew it wasn't a real earthquake "the ground didn't shake" however he also knew to get into the "turtle" position to keep himself safe. Head teacher Hilary Bourke says the youngsters all know what to do, and as soon as the whistle sounded, they were quick to find themselves a safe place and get into the correct position.

They then filed outside for a roll call before they got back to the important business of play.

Tyler was in the outside area when the drill took place, so he and his friends quickly dropped down to the ground, covering their heads with their hands and doing their best turtle impressions.

Those near the large play structure were able to get into the boxes that form the base of it. Inside, their friends got under the tables and stayed still until the earthquake stopped, before heading outside.

At St Mary's Diocesan School, the students quickly and quietly got under their desks when the alarm sounded, then once the all clear alarm sounded, they quietly filed outside for a roll call.

Senior students collected registers and the girls lined up in their groups, making for an orderly and quick evacuation.

Office staff had all the sign-in sheets, to check any visitors to the school were accounted for, and any students who had gone home during the morning weren't reported as missing.

Back at Rainbow, the earthquake drill was the topic of much conversation during the morning.

"Earthquakes mean you need to hide under a desk and stay still," Hami Tahu (4) said. Doing what the teacher tells you is also important, "they know how to keep us safe".

Do you know what to do in the event of an earthquake? Does your family? Check out www.shakeout.govt.nz to make sure you and your loved ones are earthquake ready.