Earthquake is one of the most dreadful types of disasters. And every parent should be aware of some earthquake safety tips, especially for their kids. There are high chances that an earthquake may occur anytime. The possibility of earthquakes is very real, especially in most parts of the United States. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, there are 45 state ans U.S. territories that are vulnerable to earthquakes.
Like everyone who lives in earthquake-prone areas, it is very important that your kids know what precautionary methods they can do to protect themselves, no matter where they are when an earthquake occurs. So here are some earthquake safety tips for your kids.
Earthquake safety tips for kids
1. The first thing on the list of earthquake safety tips for kids is for them to find a safe spot when an earthquake occur. You have to show your kids where they should be in the event of an earthquake. When at home, it is under a sturdy piece of furniture, like the dining room table or a study table. When your kids are at school, it is under a desk or other well-built piece of furniture. You have to remind your kids to stay away from bookcases or furniture that can fall on them. They also have to stay away from windows, mirrors or hanging objects and to expect the fire alarm and sprinklers to go off during an earthquake.
2. The second thing on the list of earthquake safety tips for your kids is to duck, cover and hold. To “Duck, Cover and Hold,” are the three words your kids needs to know in the event of an earthquake. You need to teach your kids to drop down, take cover under a heavy piece of furniture and hold on to that furniture until the shaking stops. If there is no furniture available, you can duck to the ground near an interior wall and away from the windows, then cover your head and neck using your arms.
3. The third thing on the list of earthquake safety tips for your kids is to practice them with different earthquake scenarios. You can practice different scenarios with your kids. If you are in the classroom, you can practice with them the duck, cover and hold exercise. In the playground, you can teach your kids to move away from the building, find a spot that is clear of tress and power lines and then drop to the ground. And when at home, you can help your kids to identify safe spots and practice getting into a safe position. You need to make sure that your kids are aware of safe ways to exit the room and building.
4. The fourth thing on the list of earthquake safety tips for your kids is to learn to recognize the smell of gas. You need to explain to your kids that gas lines can sometimes be damaged during an earthquake and that natural gas can be very dangerous. Natural gas has no real smell, but an aroma is added by the gas company to warn people of its presence. Gas is sometimes described as smelling like rotten eggs. You have to tell your kids that they should inform an adult if they believe they smell gas and that the adult will turn the gas off at its source.
5. And lastly, your list of earthquake safety tips for your kids won’t be complete without teaching them to keep things in perspective. You have to teach your children that there are thousands of earthquakes that occur every year, around the world. Most of them are too small to be felt and very few actually cause serious damages. While your kids should also understand what they have to do if they experience and earthquake, kids need not live in fear of one occurring.