Prepare your classroom before an earthquake occurs by fastening shelves and cabinets securely to walls. Be sure equipment such as computers, TVs, VCRs, stereos, slide projectors and science lab equipment won't injure students if they should become displaced suddenly. Hang heavy items such as clocks away from where students sit. Make sure overhead light fixtures are securely installed. Schools should repair defective electrical wiring and deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Plan emergency escape routes and assembly areas. Discuss with kids the safe places indoors they can hide during an earthquake, such as under a desk or table or against an inside wall. Teach them to stay away from windows and mirrors that can shatter or anything heavy that can fall on them. The California Emergency Management Agency suggests holding earthquake drills and exercises two or three times a year.
When indoors during an earthquake, drop to the ground and take cover until the shaking stops. If you can't take cover, protect your face and head with your arms and crouch in a corner. Stay inside until the shaking stops and don't attempt to move to a different location, as research shows that most injuries occur this way, according to Discovery Education. Make sure there's a safe route out and a safe place to assemble the students outside after the shaking stops.
If you are outdoors when an earthquake hits, stay outdoors until the shaking stops. Move away from buildings, trees and utility wires if there are any near your location. Stay away from chain link fences, which can cause electric shock if a live wire touches it. It is dangerous to stay directly outside buildings, especially alongside exterior walls, because walls can collapse and glass from windows can shatter. Moving away from potential danger spots can prevent serious injury to teachers and students.
Account for all students before you leave the classroom and be alert as you lead them through the emergency route to the assembly area. School authorities should assess the situation by gathering information from a battery-operated radio or television. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours or even months after the quake. Aftershocks can be strong enough to do additional damage, so allow kids to return home only when authorities say it is safe.