Earthquake Safety for Schools

An earthquake is extremely dangerous, but there are some steps that every person can take to reduce the risks and make getting through a seismic event a little more predictable. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says to keep in mind that any protection is better than none at all, and has worked closely with school system through the country to teach earthquake safety to both the students and to the school staff and administration.

Take Cover

• Your class desk could be all the protection you need.

  In the classroom, the safest place for you to be is under your desk. Crawl under your desk and draw yourself up into a protective position with your knees against your chest, your head between your knees and your hands clasped behind your head to protect it from dangerous objects. If the ceiling should collapse, your desk will shield you against falling debris. The desk can provide you with a breathable pocket of air should you be buried in rubble.

Walls

• Interior walls are inherently safer during earthquakes.

  Interior walls add an extra level of protection in an earthquake. Interior walls tend to be hollow and are made of lighter materials. Avoid getting trapped near an exterior wall, especially one with large windows. For the best spontaneous protection, slide your desk against an interior wall and crouch beneath it. Stay in the location until the shaking has stopped.

Count the Seconds

• Count the seconds to help prevent panic.

  Earthquakes rarely last more than a minute and usually much less. Count the seconds out loud. Not only will this give you reassurance that the event will be over soon, but the act of repetitive counting has a soothing effect, and helps prevent a person from going into a panic. Everyone will be scared, but it is vitally important that everyone remains as calm as possible.

Hazards in School Labs

• Chemicals and sharp objects should be avoided when taking shelter.

  Science, chemistry and home economics labs are a particular danger. If an earthquakes starts, try to shut down any flames, gas lines or electrical devices. While it is not as great a danger, water lines can present serious complications, compounded in colder weather. Even with the lines shut down, move as far away from these areas as possible and take shelter.

When to Get Outside

• After the earthquake, there will be a period of time that seems to be unnaturally still. This is when everyone needs to get outside and away from buildings. Trying to get outside while the quake is happening leaves you vulnerable to debris falling from the upper level of the building. Only after the shaking has ended should you get out from under your shelter and try to reach the outside. Once there, gather in the designated fire and emergency safety zones, well away from buildings or other objects that may have become unstable during the earthquake.