Kids Information on Earthquake Safety
When it comes to earthquakes, kids need to know how to stay safe. Unlike most other natural disasters--hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.--we don't know when to expect earthquakes. Therefore, it is important to have a checklist of things to do in the event of an earthquake. Being prepared can help keep kids safe and give everyone some extra peace of mind.
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Preparation
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Don't sleep next to anything that might break. People who live in states that have earthquakes should always be prepared. There are some basic guidelines to follow to be safer in the event of an earthquake.
Know where your shoes are. Keep a pair of shoes right beside your bed. In the event of an earthquake, things are likely to be strewn about, and being able to put on shoes right away can alleviate the risk of stepping on anything sharp, like broken glass or furniture.
Don't sleep near wall hangings. Avoid hanging anything glass, heavy or sharp near your head. Be aware that in the event of a big quake, paintings and art tend to be the first thing to fly off the wall. And anything hanging behind the bed is likely to hit whoever is sleeping in it.
Keep supplies on hand. Your family should have a first aid kit stocked with basic supplies, and at least a day's worth of non-perishable food and water.
Guidelines
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Find an open area, away from trees and buildings. In the event of an earthquake, arm your kids with a list of safety guidelines to follow:
Get away from anything that can fall on you.
Crawl under a piece of sturdy furniture. Do not hide under a chair or a small desk, which are likely to be knocked over.
Stay away from glass and other breakable items.
Outside, stay away from anything that can fall on you--look for an open area.
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Misconceptions
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Not a sufficient place to duck and cover. The information kids are being taught has changed over the years. The typical procedure kids learn is "Duck, cover and hold" but some say that this puts people in a position to be injured in a big quake. Unfortunately, it does not suffice to tell children to "use your judgment" to know if they should duck and cover based on whether they're sitting at a tiny school desk or a big cafeteria table. Be aware of what your child's school is teaching, and talk about alternatives to ducking and covering.
Geography
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Everyone should be prepared. Earthquakes are common all along the West Coast. Top earthquake states include Alaska, California and Hawaii. However, no state is entirely immune. Just about every state in the U.S. has at least a minute chance of experiencing an earthquake. Forty-two states had at least one incidence of an earthquake between 1980 and 2010.
Speculation
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Nothing conclusive. The most frightening thing about earthquakes is not knowing when they will occur. Scientists have worked to assess when earthquakes will happen, but have yet to be able to make reliable predictions. However, by studying recent history, many make estimations about where to expect future quakes. In a few instances, people have been evacuated from areas where quakes had been predicted. This method saved many people in a 1975 quake in China, but led to other instances where people evacuated only to find out that scientists had made incorrect predictions. There is no conclusive way to predict earthquakes, making it particularly important to be prepared at all times.
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References
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