Earthquake and Disaster Preparedness

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Prepare your facility and its contents (e.g., move heavy objects to lower shelves, fasten bookcases/tall cabinets to the wall, move beds/cribs away from windows).
Have frequent drills—at least quarterly.
Talk to parents about emergency plans and encourage them to practice at home to reinforce.
Prepare an emergency kit for your program and small kits in each child’s cubby.

What you can do during an earthquake

Duck, cover and close your eyes. If you are under a heavy piece of furniture, hold onto the legs. Do not move until the shaking stops and keep the children as close as possible.
If you are outside, stay away from overhead power lines, trees and overpasses. Duck and cover.
If you are in a car, pull over to the side. Stay away from overhead power lines, trees and overpasses. Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

What you can do after an earthquake

Be prepared to duck and cover if there are aftershocks.
Attend to the first-aid needs of injured children and staff.
Account for children; locate missing children and staff.
Extinguish small fires. Check for damage to utility systems and appliances; if necessary, shut off the main power, gas and water. Shut off the gas only if you can smell it or hear it leaking.
Calm and reassure frightened children.
If you think that the building and/or its contents are too damaged, leave the building. If you must leave the area, place a note for the parents.

Source: ehowhealth
Published on May 14, 2009
Length: 1:54