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Preparing Children for
Earthquakes and Other
Emergencies
 The main
concern for infants and toddlers is to make their environment safe and
secure. Conduct a hazard hunt in your child's room, and remove all potential
hazards that can cause injury. Cribs should be placed away from windows and
tall, unsecured bookcases and shelves that could slide or topple.
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Be sure to have a
minimum 72 hour supply of: |
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 Water
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Formula
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Bottles
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Food
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Juices
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Baby wipes
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Disposable
diapers
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Prescribed
medications
- Clothes
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Keep an
extra diaper bag with the above items in your car. · Store strollers,
wagons, blankets and cribs with appropriate wheels to evacuate infants, if
necessary. · Install bumper pads in cribs or bassinets to protect babies
during the shaking. · Install latches on all cupboards (not just those young
children can reach) so that nothing can fall on your baby during a quake.
Preschool
and School-age Children
By the age
of three, children can understand what an earthquake is and how to get ready
for one. Explain what causes earthquakes in terms they will understand. Have
your children be included in family plans and discussions for earthquake
safety. Practice safety procedures with your children so they are prepared
to take action on their own.
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Show children the safest places to be in each room when an
earthquake hits. Also show them all possible exits from each room.
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Use sturdy shoes tables to teach children to Duck, Cover, & Hold.
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Teach children what to do wherever they are during an earthquake
(at school, in a tall building, at the movies, in a store, outdoors).
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Make sure children's emergency cards at school are up-to-date.
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Although children should not turn off any utility valves, it is
important that they know what gas smells like. Advise children to tell an
adult if they smell gas after an earthquake.
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Help your children assemble their own emergency kits.
 Ideas on what to include in children's
emergency kits:
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A special toy
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Family photograph
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A note from parents
Accustom children to living without electricity. Go through an
entire evening without using electricity. After an earthquake, monitor
family members behavioral changes such as:
Parents and teachers can respond to the above problems by
encouraging additional attention and physical comfort and by providing
structured but undemanding responsibilities. |
