Learning how to prepare for an earthquake

By:Karin Zapatero

 

During an emergency, the safety of children and adults at Titoki is paramount.

 

On August 14th we carried out another earthquake drill. The children were told that knowing what to do during an earthquake could help avoid injuries and save lives. We practiced the DROP, COVER and HOLD steps.

 

At circle time the children discussed their ideas about what earthquakes were like. Some children said “the floor shakes”, or “the earth moves”. Yes, indeed an earthquake is when the ground shakes because rocks deep under the ground are moving. When a big earthquake happens there may be a loud rumbling noise and things can start falling down around you. So, it is important to keep away from windows/big and tall furniture.

 

We learned that we have to act quickly to protect ourselves from things that might fall on us. We talked about how a turtle quickly gets into its shell to keep safe. Also we identified safe places to shelter during an earthquake, such as under tables, doorways and building frames.

Then, we learned and sang ‘The turtle song’:

 

Stop, drop, be like a turtle, under the table, away from the windows.

Stay still under the table, wait ’till the shaking stops.

 

It was great to see you learning the Turtle song and practicing the steps. Thank you for showing consideration and kindness to others while practising. You were so enthusiastic and interested. It was nice to hear that you need to look after yourself and others.

 

So remember here’s what you can do in case of an earthquake:

 

* If you are inside, quickly drop on your knees and hands and crawl under the closest table, cover your head with your hands and hold onto the table legs if you can. Be aware and keep away from windows, because the glass may break and fall into pieces and broken glass is very dangerous.

 

* If outside or there are no tables around, take the 3 steps: drop, cover & hold. Also step away from trees, power lines and windows from the building.

 

* Remember, there may be aftershocks (more earthquakes), so stay safe.

 

It was great to see during the drill that so many children remembered what to do to protect themselves as we had discussed earlier at circle time. We kindly suggest you to look at http://getthru.govt.nz and to talk to your child about drills and being prepared for natural disasters. The link has great and practical information to help you and your family to get though in case of any natural disasters such as tsunami, volcano, storms, flood and  landslide.

 

As you are aware we have “grab bags” for each child and emergency

getaway kits. The team at Titoki has en evacuation plan and all the necessary items for getting thru during a natural disaster.

 

What learning do I think is happening here?

Children are learning what earthquakes are and learning what to do if it happens. When we did the “surprise” drill later, children remembered to drop, cover and hold under tables and doorways.

Opportunities and possibilities?

We hold regular fire and earthquake drills each term so that children and staff are ready for emergency situations like these. Perhaps you should do these at home too so that your children know which tables and doorways are safe to take cover under. Do you have a meeting place in case of fire ? Perhaps the letter box outside the house?

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