How to Have a Duck, Cover and Hold Earthquake Drill at Home

If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, it's important to be prepared to protect yourself and your family should an earthquake occur. One of the most important ways to do this is to have a duck, cover and hold earthquake drill at your home periodically. A drill like this teaches you and your family where to go and what to do in the event of an earthquake while at home. Actually practicing this drill will make it second nature to do the right thing without panicking if you ever have to face a serious earthquake.

Instructions

1. Walk your family through the motions of the drill before practicing in real time. Point out places that are acceptable to hide and wait out an earthquake.

2. Set the scene by talking to your kids about what an earthquake sounds like and feels like. If your kids have never experienced an earthquake they may not immediately know what is happening when one occurs. Tell them that when an earthquake begins it sounds like a low rumbling that grows louder and the floor starts to move.

3. Shout that there's an earthquake to start the drill. "Earthquake! Duck and cover!" is a good phrase to use because it tells exactly what to do.

4. Drop to the floor. Getting down on the floor is safer because it prevents you from falling when trying to move.

5. Crawl under a sturdy desk or piece of furniture like a table. If there is nowhere to crawl under, put your back up against an interior wall, pull your knees into your chest and cover your head with your arms.

6. Narrate what's happening during the earthquake so everyone stays in the moment and has an idea of what to expect during a real earthquake. For example, you can say "The whole room is shaking! Dishes are crashing to the floor. Furniture is sliding on the floor. You hear loud noises everywhere!

7. Hold onto the furniture until the shaking stops. If you are not under a piece of furniture, just hold your protecting position. An earthquake can last for a minute or more, so a drill should be at least that long.

8. Indicate that the earthquake has ended.

9. Slowly come out from your hiding place and survey the damage to determine whether and how you should get out of your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat the duck, cover and hold drill several times throughout the year to keep the information current in everyone's head.

• If an earthquake happens when you are in bed, you should stay where you are and cover your head with your pillow.

• During an earthquake in your home, you should always stay away from windows, tall pieces of furniture and objects hanging on the wall or ceiling.