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An earthquake is a sudden slipping or displacement of part of the earth’s crust.   When it happens, energy is released and travels outwards in waves.
 

Earthquakes are measured by two scales. The first, the Richter Scale, is one that measures energy at the epicentre. Each succeeding unit on the Richter Scale is equivalent to 30 times the energy released by the previous unit.

A shallow earthquake of magnitude 2 would hardly cause any damage. An earthquake of magnitude 7 – at the same depth – is likely to cause widespread damage.

The Mercalli Scale is a 12 point scale of felt intensity or visual damage. This scale is more useful than the Richter Scale in describing the impact of an earthquake.

Here are some examples of the scale.

 History of earthquakes in New Zealand

Written records in New Zealand have existed for major earthquakes since the 1843 earthquake near Wanganui.   Prior to that period, we must depend on oral history.   One earthquake recorded in oral history occurred in Wellington about 1460.   That earthquake helped to form the Miramar Peninsula.   The earthquake was called "hao whenua" – the land swallower.

The largest earthquake on written record was the 1855 earthquake.   It was centred on the Wairarapa fault line and measured 8 on the Richter scale.   That earthquake lifted land around the Wellington coastline about 2 metres.   Since that time there have been many earthquakes which have caused major damage.   Some examples are shown in this pamphlet – Murchison (1929), Napier (1931), Inangahua (1968) and Bay of Plenty in 1987.

DO Secure heavy furniture to the wall or floor.
DO Place heavy items near the floor
DO Put strong catches on cupboards to prevent crockery falling out.
DO Save water in containers.   Store these containers away from sunlight.
DO Check that your chimney is secure.   If you are not sure, have a builder check and strengthen the chimney.
DO Secure your hot water cylinder.   This will help to lessen damage to the cylinder if your house moves during an earthquake.

DO DEVELOP A FAMILY PLAN
Make sure everyone knows 
– how to survive an earthquake 
– where to get help if it is needed 
– how to make contact with other members of the family during a disaster.
DO LEARN FIRST AID
Contact your local organisation of the Order of St John or the Red Cross Society.
DO Learn how to turn off water, gas and electricity at the mains.
DO Learn how to control small fires small fires.   Know how to escape from a fire.
DO Check your survival kit regularly.   (See the pamphlet called "Your Disaster Survival Kit" for further information.)
DO Get to know your neighbours.   You all have skills and resources that will be vital in a disaster.
DO Know the location of your nearest Civil Defence Centre.
DO CHECK NOW that your household insurance completely covers earthquake damage.
DON’T     Put chemical cleaner in the toilet cistern – you
                 will poison a potential source of drinking water.

During an earthquake

STAY INSIDE
KEEP CALM – give yourself time to think.
TAKE COVER
Get under a table.   Hold onto it to prevent it moving away from you.

Crouch beside a solid structure.   It may well be a wall.   Keep away from  glass doors or windows.
Brace yourself in a doorway.   Hold onto the door to prevent it slamming into you.
Do not attempt to run outside – you may be hit by falling masonry or glass.
If you are in a lift – stop the lift at the nearest floor and get out.
DO NOT BECOME A CASUALTY. LOOK AFTER YOURSELF FIRST – TAKE COVER AND BE A SURVIVOR.

Outside in a High Rise area

Take cover in doorways.
Do not run into the street – you may be struck by falling debris or power lines.

In an open area:

Stay clear of high walls or power lines.
IF YOU ARE DRIVING – slow down, pull over to the side of the road and stop the car.   Stay in the vehicle – it will provide you with some cover.

After an earthquake

Check yourself and those around you for injuries .
Check your neighbours.   Assist them if necessary.   Make sure that someone reports the damage in your area to the nearest Civil Defence Centre.
Give first aid to those who need it.   Make the injured comfortable until help arrives.
Put out small fires.   Evacuate the building if the fires cannot be controlled.
TURN on your radio – this will be your major source of information.
If your property is damaged – take a note of damage to each item.
Keep all items until an insurance assessor has seen them.
DO NOT GO SIGHTSEEING.
Roads must be kept clear for emergency services.

If you are not directly affected by the earthquake.

DO NOT TRY TO GET INTO THE AFFECTED AREA – YOU WILL NOT BE WELCOMED BY PEOPLE IN THE AREA