Hero photograph
Earthquake Safety at Hagley
 
Photo by Charlotte Sowman

What Happens in a Quake?

Charlotte Sowman —

The recent earthquake has highlighted that everyone at Hagley needs to be familiar with our earthquake response plan, should a quake occur during the school day. Our teachers have been through this plan with our students. We’d like you to know about this as well.

IF YOU ARE INSIDE:

DROP, COVER AND HOLD

Take cover beneath some part of the structure which is reinforced, like under a doorway, a school desk, or table.

Stay inside until the earthquake stops

Do not move outside during an earthquake. Keep back to any glass, crouch on the floor, clasp both hands behind head, bury face in arms, close eyes.

Follow the directions of your teacher

All classrooms are evacuated immediately after an earthquake has stopped under the instructions of their teachers. Don’t wait for an alarm. Stay clear of buildings and move to the safe zone on the main lawn in front of the College.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE:

Move clear of all buildings and potentially dangerous structures and overhead power lines:

· 20 metres for a single storied building

· 40 metres for a double storied building

Move to the safe zone immediately after an earthquake.

IN THE SAFE ZONE

Teachers report to Graeme Cochrane, our Chief Safety Warden, to confirm their classes and students attending that day are present.

Students are free to stay in the safe zone, or to follow their personal safety plans. A student or staff member leaving the school grounds is required to sign out in our evacuation register indicating where they are intending to go.

Staff will continue to look after students in the safe zone. There is first aid equipment, food and water available.

HAVE A FAMILY SAFETY PLAN

We’d like everyone to have their own safety plans that they have established with their families in the event of an earthquake. While many people have developed safety plans following the 2011 quakes , now is a good time to refresh those plans. They should not solely rely on cellphone contact. There is more about what should be in your family safety plan at this link.

http://whatstheplanstan.govt.nz/work-with-your-family