How to Prepare a Classroom for an Earthquake

In areas prone to earthquakes, the difference between emerging unscathed and sustaining serious injuries often depends on whether or not a reliable emergency plan has been put in place and reviewed. While earthquake preparation is wise in homes, it is essential for classrooms where children may feel vulnerable being away from home and family. Following are some suggestions for keeping classrooms safe.

Instructions

• 1

  Recognize the possible earthquake hazards in the classroom. Classroom hazards would include heavy objects placed above head level or bookcases that are not bolted to the wall. Since most earthquake-related injuries occur from falling objects and not collapsing buildings, securing heavy objects and placing them toward the floor is the first step.

• 2

  Position desks as far away from the windows as possible. A certain setup is required in classrooms with regard to the teacher's desk in relation to the students' desks, but if the school is in an earthquake zone, a bit of preventative floor planning is a good idea.

• 3

  Secure all classroom computers, printers or scanners to the desks or table on which they sit. This will prevent them from falling to the floor and breaking, causing more hazards by way of sharp parts and broken glass.

• 4

  Develop a safe place plan in the classroom. Review areas in the classroom that will provide added shelter from falling debris, such as under furniture, in an interior corner or an interior hallway. Rooms used as safe places should be on the ground floor and have few windows and vents.

• 5

  Identify and review all exits. In the event that emergency personnel deem it necessary to evacuate the school, it is essential that school administration and students know the nearest exits and that the exits are kept clear.

• 6

  Equip the classroom with emergency supplies. It may take a while for emergency workers to make it through debris to offer assistance, so having a disaster box containing first aid supplies, blankets, flashlights, batteries, battery-powered radios, non-perishable food and bottled water is advisable. Also include plastic sheeting and duct tape for covering any openings.

• 7

  Keep important materials in a binder and in a safe, accessible place. These materials should include the class roster, administration extensions and cell phone numbers and the emergency contact for your classroom. After an earthquake, contact the emergency contact if possible to let her know who is in the classroom with you so that she may contact parents.