Workshops to help kids be prepared for emergencies to be held at Bunnings Whanganui

Is your family prepared for New Zealand ShakeOut, the national earthquake drill, on Thursday, October 18?

Kids are key to getting families involved in preparing for emergencies and this weekend there's the chance for Whanganui youngsters to Get Ready.

For Get Ready Week from Saturday, October 13, to Monday, October 22, the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM) is teaming up with hardware chain Bunnings to raise awareness of how to prepare for emergencies.

Bunnings Whanganui will host free DIY workshops for kids at 12.30pm on Saturday and Sunday, October 13-14.

At the workshops children will learn about emergencies, as well as creating an emergency contact board, wristband or bookmark with information on what to do if disaster strikes.

As part of Get Ready Week, New Zealand ShakeOut, the country's national earthquake drill and tsunami hikoi, will take place at 9.30am on Thursday, October 18.

"New Zealand ShakeOut is a great opportunity to make sure your family is prepared in an emergency," MCDEM director Sarah Stuart-Black said.

"We know that when kids are involved in preparing for emergencies and learning about natural hazards, they encourage their families to be more prepared and play a more active role in responding to and recovering from disasters. Families can create their own household plan at www.happens.nz."

To sign up to take part in New Zealand ShakeOut, go to www.shakeout.govt.nz