Here, this refers to the government campaign to ensure everyone is prepared for a major earthquake.  The effects of the Canterbury earthquakes over 2010 – 2011 are known by all, so what would happen in Kapiti?

The general answer obviously depends on how big and deep it is.  But assuming one about the size of the Canterbury ones, then those who live near the beach on sandhills may find themselves coping with the liquefaction issue that affected most eastern zones of Christchurch.  Elsewhere it will be less of a problem, as most of Waikanae is based on river rocks which go down a reasonable way.

The key thing to do is ensure that anything large in your house that could topple over is secured against the wall with a bracket.  Another thing to do is keep your shoes handy in any part of the house: if your windows break, you don’t want to be walking over broken glass.

You could be without water and power for a while, so have emergency food and water supplies.  A few battery-powered (ideally with LED light) torches are also important, as is a first aid kit.

An LED flashlight (700 lumens) available in America.

What if there was a tsunami?  The map below is the official designation of inundation risk for Waikanae, and evacuation zones which are unsurprising.

The actual risk of tsunami on the west or Tasman Sea coasts is not as great as it is on the east or Pacific Coasts, however, and the presence of Kapiti Island should provide a reasonably effective shield.  If you’re east of the forthcoming expressway, you’re pretty much out of danger.