Exercise ShakeOut New Zealand – Wednesday 26 September 2012
Overview
Exercise ShakeOut is a national, multi-agency exercise led by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management and is supported by the 16 CDEM Groups, central government departments, emergency services, lifeline utilities, and other agencies as appropriate.
ShakeOut began in southern California in 2008 as a way of involving the general public in a large-scale emergency management exercise. While the 2008 California ShakeOut was initially conceived as a one-off event, participant demand convinced organisers to develop the ShakeOut into a statewide, annual event.
Part of the appeal of ShakeOut is its simplicity. At a minimum, participants practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold," the recommended procedure for self-protection in an earthquake. Many schools and other organisations also practice additional aspects of their preparedness plans.
ShakeOut New Zealand will be based on the Southern California model and will consist of a series of events culminating in a nationwide ‘Drop, Cover and Hold’ drill on 26 September 2012.
For more information about this exercise led by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, please click here.
Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management Quick Links
MCDEM'S Exercising in New Zealand
MCDEM'S National Exercise Programme