Earthquake Safety for Kids
Age-appropriate earthquake safety education. Help children understand earthquakes and know what to do when one happens.
Teaching Kids About Earthquakes
Children need to understand what earthquakes are without being frightened.
- •Explain that earthquakes are natural events — the Earth's surface is always slowly moving
- •Practice Drop, Cover, Hold On regularly as a family
- •Make it a game: "Earthquake drill!" and practice in different rooms
- •Discuss safe spots in every room of your home
At School
Schools regularly practice earthquake drills. Reinforce these lessons at home.
- •Ask your child what they learned during school drills
- •Know the school's emergency plan and reunification procedures
- •Ensure the school has your current emergency contact information
- •Pack a comfort item in their school emergency kit
After an Earthquake
Children may feel frightened or anxious after an earthquake.
- •Reassure children that they are safe
- •Let them talk about their feelings
- •Maintain routines as much as possible
- •Limit exposure to earthquake news coverage
- •Watch for signs of stress: sleep problems, clinginess, regression