Choose a calm and safe time to talk.

Don’t wait until an earthquake is happening to talk to your child about it.

Use age-appropriate language.

Explain earthquakes in a way that your child can understand. For younger children, you can use simple terms like “shaking” and “bouncing.” For older children, you can go into more detail about how earthquakes happen.

Be honest about the risks.

Earthquakes can be dangerous, but it’s important not to scare your child. Explain that earthquakes are rare and that there are things you can do to stay safe.

Reassure your child that you will be there for them.

Children need to know that they can count on you to keep them safe.

• □ Drop, cover, and hold on. This is the most important thing to do during an earthquake. If your child is indoors, they should drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture (like a table or desk), and hold on to it. If they are outside, they should drop to the ground, find an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines, and cover their head and neck with their arms.

• □ Stay away from windows, mirrors, and tall furniture. These objects can fall and hurt you during an earthquake.
  

• □ Do not use elevators. Elevators can be dangerous during an earthquake because they can get stuck or malfunction.
  

• □ If you are in a car, pull over to a safe location and stay inside. Do not get out of your car until the shaking stops.
  

• □ A safe place to meet outside of your home. This could be a nearby park or a friend’s house.

• □ A way to communicate with each other if you are separated. This could be a cell phone, walkie-talkies, or a predetermined meeting place.

• □ An emergency kit with food, water, first aid supplies, and other essential items.