If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, it's important that you teach your children how to stay safe. Although younger kids might not understand how earthquakes work, they should know how to seek protection when they feel the ground shaking. Kids as young as 2 years old can learn the basics of protection if you turn it into a game.
Protect Your Kids
If you're with your kids when an earthquake hits, immediately drop down and take cover under a table. Hold your child against your chest, and then bend forward toward the ground, using your body as a shield to protect your child. If you can't find a table or desk, use a large pillow to cover your and your child's head and face. Talk to your child during the ordeal so he remains calm. If he sees you panic during an earthquake, he will learn to fear it and will have a harder time reacting appropriately the next time it happens.
Baby Safety
Children under 2 years of age are unlikely to understand the concept of protecting themselves, so it's important that you take as many precautions as possible. Don't place cribs or beds near windows or bookcases, especially if they hold objects that can fall and injure your child during an earthquake. Secure tall furniture to the wall when possible to prevent it from toppling over.
Practice
A good way to teach your children about earthquake safety is to teach them the "duck, cover and hold on" adage. Create a game called Earthquake Reaction. You can use a small bell or alarm to signal the start of an earthquake, and have your kids search for cover in as little time as possible. Try the same game in the different rooms of the house and even at grandma's house and the local park or playground.
When Kids Are Alone
Your children could be alone when an earthquake hits. For example, in the case of an earthquake in the middle of the night, teach them to stay in bed and cover their head with a pillow rather than run out of the room in search of a safer spot. Also teach them to stay away from windows and glass.
Teaching Tools
The younger your children are, the more difficult it will be for them to remember how to act and what not to do. Use printouts, games and drills to teach them about earthquake safety. The website of the U.S. Geological Service Department offers learning links, earthquake activities, puzzles and games, cool earthquake facts and even animations that explain what earthquakes are and how they work. Try coloring pages depicting safe activities during an earthquake, or plan a multiple-choice scenario where kids decide what's the safest choice. You can also ask kids to identify hazards in each room so they'll know what to avoid in case of an earthquake.
Member Comments