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Emergencies: 111, earthquakes and tsunami
New Zealand has earthquakes and coastal tsunami risk. The official actions to remember, and how to prepare your household.
- Last checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Next review
- 21 Apr 2027
Who to contact
- Dial 111 for police, fire or ambulance in an emergency.
What to do next
In an earthquake
- Drop, Cover and Hold. Stay where you are until the shaking stops, many people are hurt trying to move during shaking.
What to do next
If you’re near the coast
- If an earthquake is long (more than a minute) or strong (hard to stand up), and you’re in a tsunami zone: get gone. Move to high ground or as far inland as you can once the shaking stops.
- For a local tsunami there may be no time for an official warning, don’t wait for one.
What to bring
Get your household ready
- Find out if your home, campus or workplace is in a tsunami evacuation zone.
- Agree a meeting place with the people you live with.
- Keep water, food, a torch and a charged power bank at home.