Drop Cover Hold

After the recent earthquakes in New Zealand, we all saw the pictures of destruction. Videos of shelves, cars and other things just violently shaking.

But it’s actually quite hard to understand, what all that really means.

I at least, have never experienced an earthquake before. And for that I’m glad.

However, because of this, I’ve been wondering: What does it feel like when you’re living at a place where an earthquake is an ongoing threat?

I really can’t imagine what goes on in the minds of New Zealand’s citizens. Even though the damages are huge, many seem to be rather relaxed about the situation.

I’m not saying that they aren’t taking it seriously — because I bet they are — but living in New Zealand must’ve given a lot of the people a different mentality regarding such things, I guess?

Just imagine it: You’re living on an island and every now and then there is an earthquake. You’re learning about it in school; It’s part of your life.

You know it will probably happen someday, but when it does, it’s still a shock. Because I think — like with most things in life — many just aren’t actively concerned about it. So in the end, of course it’s a surprise.

Interesting would also be, what exactly they teach at schools for situations like that. Because I certainly wouldn’t know what to do.

So, after a bit of research, I figured out that the procedures are pretty clear:

First, you’re supposed to drop down to the floor on your hands and knees.

Next, you should find shelter somewhere. Whether it’s under a table or besides low furniture. Either way, one is advised to cover head and neck with hands and arms.

Then you hold on to that and wait. Wait till it stops and be ready to move around, if anything happens.

To train these moves, there’s a kind of organization called “New Zealand Shake Out” (http://www.shakeout.govt.nz/schools/) and they established this method as “Drop, Cover, Hold”. Schools can participate in this “Shake Out” to train and learn the right behaviour in an earthquake.

What strikes me as odd though, is that even though something like “Shake Out” exists, big official offices like GeoNet have a relatively poor organisation. We’ve read about the process that went on when the earthquake hit, and it’s definitely not the best.

Is it maybe, that this danger of earthquakes is hovering over people’s heads so much that they forget simple steps in taking precautions? Or is it just bad organisation, politics, etc.? Money seems to be at least one of the main aspects.

I don’t know. I’ve never been to New Zealand; I’ve never experienced an earthquake. And I surely never worked for a company with the responsibility to warn people about such.

So I’m not sure how things go down in situations like that.