People in the affected area should:
- Expect aftershocks. Each time one is felt drop, cover and hold on
- Check yourself first for injuries and get first aid if necessary before helping injured or trapped persons.
- 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.
- Not attempt to enter the CBD.
- Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.
- 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.
- Not drink tap water straight from the tap, as it may be contaminated. Residents are advised to conserve all water and boil it for at least three minutes before use.
- The 111 phone system in Southland has experienced overloading, although Telecom now have service restored. Anyone needing urgent assistance from the police may need to phone their local station directly. This number is in the Blue Pages at the front of the Southland phone book. For ambulance call 03 211 3044. For Fire Service call 03 214 3779