Earthquake

What you can do to get ready for an Earthquake

The information in this document is about being ready for an earthquake. Listen to an audio verison of this page.

What to do after an Earthquake

Expect aftershocks and remember to drop, cover and hold.
Look after yourself and get first aid if necessary. Help others if you can.
Assess your home or workplace for damage. If the building appears unsafe get everyone out. Use the stairs, not an elevator and when outside, watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines. Stay out of damaged areas.
Look for and extinguish small fires if it is safe to do so. Fire is a significant hazard following earthquakes.
Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.
Do not overload phone lines with non-emergency calls.
Help people who require special assistance – infants, elderly people, those without transportation, families who may need additional help, people with disabilities and the people who care for them.

Earthquake Telehealth Support Line

Call 0800 777 846 for post-earthquake support.

A 24/7 Earthquake Support Line is run by the National Telehealth Service.

If you need support or are concerned about how the situation is affecting you or your whānau, you can call for 0800 777 846 for support and advice.

You can call anytime of day, seven days a week.

The Earthquake Support Line is staffed with qualified mental health experts from Homecare Medical who have direct access to Healthline nurses and other 24/7 national telehealth services.

For other health concerns you should call your GP or call Healthline on 0800 611 116. It is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Financial support or assistance

You can call the Government Helpline 0800 779 997 to find out what financial support or assistance may be available. Read more on the Work and Income website: Civil Defence payments.

Other sources of help and advice for coping with stress after an earthquake or emergency

You can read our guide to managing stress in an emergency and helping children.

Health Navigator has top 5 tips for what to do after a damaging earthquake.

If your are unsure where to start, we can supply you with free and confidential support and connect you with the services you need, whether financial, business or health-related.

Call now 0800 787 254 (RURAL HELP)

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