What would you do in the event of an earthquake or tsunami?

Te Mahia School was lucky enough to have visitors from both the Hawkes Bay Emergency Management group and the Napier Aquarium here to talk to us about keeping safe in the event of an earthquake or tsunami. The workshop began where the tamariki had to answer questions about Ranginui and Papatuanuku and how they were separated and by whom. The children were then entertained with a story ‘Te Hikoi a Ruamoko’ - ‘Ruaumoko’s Walk’, a story that teaches children about natural warning signs of tsunamis. Some of our tamariki were involved in the story telling, capturing the attention of their peers and teachers using props provided.

The conversation then moved into earthquakes and how they strike. We have some very knowledgeable tamariki who knew a lot about earthquakes. The tamariki were reminded on how to keep safe in the event of an earthquake by doing drop cover and hold or in Te Reo Māori pāhake, hīpoki me pupuri. All of our tamariki moved briskly to hide under tables in the earthquake drill but it was recommended that the children drop, cover and hold where they were, keeping well away from windows.

The tamariki were also told of natural warning signs that would indicate a tsunami approaching. The natural warning signs mentioned were you would 

feel the earth shake, see the ocean drop or the ocean withdraw from inland or hear an unusual roaring sound that may precede the arrival of a tsunami. In the event of a tsunami the children were informed to evacuate to higher ground, at least 35m above sea level luckily our school is situated on top of the hill, phew safe! 

Another important subject raised was survival kits. Our Te Mahia School tamariki could name everything that is needed in a survival kit. So that leaves us with are you prepared and ready for if an earthquake or tsunami hits? What emergency plan and survival kit have you got tucked away?

A very informative afternoon, where the tamariki were reminded of safety and evacuation procedures in the event of an earthquake or tsunami, and the importance of survival kits and emergency plans. Thank you for visiting us Hawkes Bay Emergency Management group and the Napier Aquarium staff!