New Zealand ShakeOut exercise: lessons learned by schools

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify lessons learned by schools from their involvement in the 2012 New Zealand ShakeOut nationwide earthquake drill.

Design/methodology/approach

The results from a survey conducted with 514 schools were collated to identify the emergency preparedness lessons learned by schools through their participation in the ShakeOut exercise.

Findings

Key findings indicated that: schools were likely to do more than the minimum when presented with a range of specific emergency preparedness activities; drills for emergency events require specific achievement objectives to be identified in order to be most effective in preparing schools; and large-scale initiatives, such as the ShakeOut exercise, encourage schools and students to engage in emergency preparedness activities.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, six recommendations are made to assist schools to develop effective emergency response procedures.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the ongoing efforts of emergency management practitioners and academics to enhance the efficacy of school-based preparedness activities and to, ultimately, increase overall community resilience.

Citation

Tipler, K.S., Tarrant, R.A., Johnston, D.M. and Tuffin, K.F. (2016), "New Zealand ShakeOut exercise: lessons learned by schools", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 550-563. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPM-01-2016-0018