Kids in Action: Earthquakes

As part of Reaction Compassion’s In Case Anything Happens, I Love You Series, we’ve created this kid-friendly guide to answer the question, “What do I do when there’s an earthquake?”

Stay Calm & Cover

Earthquakes can happen suddenly, but you can stay safe by being calm and aware.
Prepare for action by following these earthquake safety steps.

Earthquake: A powerful shake below the ground.

During an Earthquake

If indoors, Drop, Cover, and Hold On!
- Stay away from doors or windows.
- Drop to the ground and take cover under a sturdy object, table or desk.
- Hold onto the object with one hand and cover your head and neck with the other arm.
- An aftershock is another smaller earthquake that can happen after the first one.
- Stay in your safe place until adult tells you it’s okay to move.
If in a car, stay inside until the earthquake stops.
If outside, find a safe spot away from streetlights, buildings, trees, and powerlines, and drop to the ground.

Did You Know? Earthquakes Happen Every Day!
Thousands of tiny earthquakes occur around the world every day, but most are too small to feel.

After the Earthquake…

Earthquakes and aftershocks can happen suddenly and be scary… Make sure to take 4 deep breaths in and out to calm yourself.
When the shaking stops, check for alerts on the radio or the TV.
Avoid elevators and only take the stairs.
- Elevators could be broken after an earthquake.
Stay away from beaches! If the ocean tide disappears, that means a tsunami is near – Stay away until safe!
- A tsunami is a big wave or set of waves that could cause flooding after an earthquake. Check out our Kids in Action: Tsunami guide for more information!

Did You Know? Some animals can sense earthquakes before they happen! Animals, fish, birds, and other wildlife can sometimes act strangely just before an earthquake hits.

Be an Earthquake Safety Hero!

Practice earthquake drills for home, and if you’re playing outside.
Help pack an emergency supply kit with your household.

Download our Free Safety Guide!

Kids in Action – Earthquakes – Reaction Compassion Download

Explore More Resources

Don’t stop there! Check out more earthquake safety activities and resources at the following trusted websites:

Copyright Notice: All written content in this guide is the intellectual property of Reaction Compassion. This material may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, or used for personal gain or commercial purposes, including sale or publication online, without explicit written permission from Reaction Compassion. All rights reserved.

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