If you feel something you think might be an earthquake, don't wait to be sure before getting in a safer position, a GNS Science geologist warns.
Simon Cox is urging people to register for the global earthquake practice - called International ShakeOut Day of Action - which, in New Zealand, will take place at 9.15am on October 15.
Registration is via www.shakeout.govt.nz.
People in the southern lakes region live with several earthquake hazards - the Alpine Fault and four local faultlines.
Dr Cox said an earthquake on a local faultline could give ''little warning''.
But with an earthquake on the Alpine Fault, there might be up to 10 seconds between first feeling an earthquake and the shaking becoming intense.
