Earthquake Preparedness for Schools

An earthquake strikes suddenly, when you least expect it, in the mere blink of an eye. It is one of the few natural disasters that scientists are as yet unable to predict, and as a result there are no warning systems in place. An earthquake may last as little as a few seconds, but the devastation can take years to rebuild. Being prepared for any emergency is especially important in the school environment. Time is always against you in such a situation, and having a plan in place can save lives and provide a sense of control in a chaotic situation. Preparedness refers to things that can be done before an earthquake actually strikes. There are procedures that you can follow to lower the chances that staff or students in a school will be hurt during an earthquake, as well as measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood that property will be destroyed.

Correct Building Code

• Any school building located in an area prone to earthquakes should be constructed according to the strict building codes required to maximize a building's ability to withstand an earthquake or at least be resistant to damage from an earthquake. There are ways to ensure that a school building is safer to be in when an earthquake strikes. Many school buildings may have certain weaknesses that will result in extensive damage in an earthquake. It's important that the school authorities find out for how many years the school building has been under building codes that take seismic issues into consideration. Buildings that were designed and built before these codes were enforced could have inherent structural weaknesses that need to be addressed.

Identifying Nonstructural Weaknesses

• Certain nonstructural items of a school building can be vulnerable during earthquakes and pose a danger. Suspended ceilings, windows and light fixtures are some nonstructural components of a school building that can cause death and be expensive to repair after an earthquake. Professional advice may be needed to earthquake-proof these components. In some cases, potential weaknesses or dangers of items inside the school may be obvious, and teachers and students may participate in locating these potential threats. In fact, looking for potential dangers could be part of a lesson plan about earthquakes and earthquake preparedness, allowing students to take charge and be part of the process of protecting their future in the face of such an event.

Safe Reaction Training

• Students and teachers must all know what to expect and, more importantly, what to do when an earthquake strikes. One of the most important things to do during an earthquake is to drop down, seek cover and hold on while the ground shakes and rolls. Students and teachers should identify safe places before an earthquake ever strikes. They should regularly practice taking cover. This will save time and lives as students will be able to react confidently. Teachers should set up safe places where students and staff can meet after the trembling has stopped. Evacuation should only take place after the earthquake.

Aftershocks

• Once an earthquake has passed, schools must put into action their emergency response plans. It's important for teachers and students to know that aftershocks are common and, if they follow a large magnitude earthquake, they can cause further damage. In fact, the aftershock can make hazards created by the original earthquake worse. Students must be ready to take cover at any time because aftershocks arrive unannounced and while never as strong as the original earthquake, they can be very powerful and dangerous.