Have you ever felt the ground shake? That’s what happens during an earthquake! An earthquake is when the Earth’s surface shakes, rolls, or suddenly moves. These events can happen without warning, which makes them a bit scary. Did you know there are about 500,000 earthquakes around the world every year? Most of them are too small to feel, but about 100 can cause a lot of damage. It’s important to know how to stay safe before, during, and after an earthquake.
Always listen to the radio or watch TV to get the latest news about earthquakes in your area. Knowing what’s happening can help you stay safe.
Talk with your family and friends about what to do if an earthquake happens. Pick a safe place where you can all meet if you get separated.
Make a kit with important supplies, like:
Make sure heavy things in your home, like air conditioners and TVs, are safely secured. Put heavy and breakable items on low shelves or the floor to prevent them from falling and causing injuries.
If an earthquake happens while you’re at home, try to stay calm. Quickly move away from anything that might fall and hurt you.
Use the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method to stay safe:
If you can’t drop to the ground, bend forward, cover your head with your arms, and hold onto your neck with both hands. If you’re in bed, stay there and protect your head with a pillow.
When the shaking stops, check for injuries and look around your home for damage. Help others if you can. Be ready for aftershocks, which are smaller earthquakes that happen after the main one. Each time you feel an aftershock, remember to drop, cover, and hold on.
Did you know the biggest earthquake ever recorded was in Chile on May 22, 1960? It had a magnitude of 9.5! In the United States, the largest earthquake was in Alaska on March 28, 1964, with a magnitude of 9.2.
Knowing how to prepare for and react to an earthquake can help keep you safe. Share these tips with your family and friends so everyone knows what to do if an earthquake happens. Stay safe!
