Mahora kids get ready for a big one

Mahora School children are well prepared for an earthquake after working on their drop, cover and hold drill yesterday.

Students completed their training with the help of local police, firefighters and civil defence representatives ahead of a nationwide "ShakeOut" campaign scheduled for September 26 at 9.26am.

The Government-run initiative hopes to get one million people to participate in the earthquake drill - at home, work, school or on holiday.

"We are not going to be available on the 26th ... so this is being used by emergency services as a promotion for the big event," Mahora School acting principal Frances Flynn said.

"The kids have been practising for a couple of days, but we do regular earthquake and fire drills once a term, anyway."

Local National MPs Craig Foss and Chris Tremain along with Hawke's Bay mascots were on hand to encourage Mahora pupils to take earthquake safety seriously.

"The main thing is raising awareness," Mr Foss said. "Children of this age are really good. They know all about it because they are being taught at school. But it's not just about giving them the message, it's about them taking that message home to their parents and making everyone aware."

People are encouraged to keep water, food, torches and a radio for an emergency.