What to do after the quake

Civil Defence have released advice on what residents need to do following today's string of earthquakes.

People in the affected area should:

1. Expect aftershocks.  Each time one is felt, drop, cover, and hold on.

2. Check yourself first for injuries and get first aid if necessary before helping injured or trapped persons.

3. 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.

4. Look for and extinguish small fires if safe to do so.  Fire is a significant hazard following earthquakes.

5. Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.

6. Do not overload the phone lines with non-emergency calls.

7. Help people who require special assistance - infants, elderly people, those without transportation, large families who may need additional help, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.

source: Civil Defence