In this lesson, you will learn what an earthquake is and how to stay safe during one! You will discover the best places to hide when the ground shakes and what to do after the shaking stops. You will also find out how to prepare for an earthquake by making an emergency backpack. By the end of this lesson, you will know important safety tips to keep yourself and others safe during an earthquake and in everyday situations!
Have you ever felt the ground shake? That’s called an earthquake! It’s a natural event that happens when energy is suddenly released in the Earth’s crust. This makes the ground vibrate and move. Sometimes, earthquakes can cause other things like fires, mudslides, rockfalls, and even big waves called tsunamis.
If you’re near the ocean and feel an earthquake, quickly run to higher ground. If you’re near a hill, stay away from the hillside. If you’re at home and everything starts to shake, find a safe place to hide. Good spots are under a bed, under a table, or in the bathroom. When an earthquake happens, your house might shake up and down and side to side.
After a big earthquake, there might be smaller shakes called aftershocks. It’s important to stay alert. Try to be in an open area where nothing can fall on you. Earthquakes can happen anytime, so it’s good to know what to do. You can prepare an emergency backpack with things you might need during an earthquake.
If an earthquake happens, stay calm and find a safe spot to hide. Stay away from windows because the glass can break and hurt you. Be careful if you’re near a door, as it might fall. Hiding under a desk can protect you from things that might fall.
Once the shaking stops, stay in an open area until it’s safe. If you need help, use a whistle to let others know. Remember to stay calm and follow safety rules.
If someone you don’t know knocks on the door, don’t open it. Make sure it’s someone you know before opening. If you’re not sure, call your parents.
Be careful around sharp objects and electrical outlets. Always put your toys away after playing so you don’t trip. When using stairs, hold onto the railing and walk slowly to avoid falling.
When traveling, always remember to stay safe. Stay where your parents can see you and don’t talk to strangers. When crossing the street, hold hands with an adult and follow the traffic signals.
In the car, children should use a rear-facing car seat if they are under a certain weight. Keep your hands inside the car and don’t throw anything out of the window.
Thank you for learning about earthquake safety! Stay safe and remember these tips. Have fun exploring more about safety and the world around you!
Shake Table Experiment: Create a simple shake table to simulate an earthquake. Use a baking sheet and place it on top of two tennis balls. Put small building blocks or toy houses on the baking sheet. Gently shake the sheet to see how the structures react. Discuss with your friends or family what happens to the buildings and how you might make them stronger to withstand the shaking.
Earthquake Safety Drill: Practice an earthquake safety drill at home or in the classroom. Pretend an earthquake is happening and find a safe spot to hide, like under a table or in a doorway. Time how long it takes to get to your safe spot. Talk about what you would do if you were in different places, like outside or at school, when an earthquake happens.
Observation Walk: Go on a walk around your neighborhood or school and look for places that might be safe or unsafe during an earthquake. Can you find sturdy tables to hide under? Are there any tall shelves or glass windows that might be dangerous? Draw a map of your findings and share it with your class or family.
