Have a parent volunteer or teacher read a scenario aloud to the class. Describe what might be happening during an earthquake and instruct the students to get under their desks (duck), cover their heads (cover) and wait for further instructions (hold). Tell the students what to expect, such as scary sounds and unusual movement. Use a stop watch to time the 60 second drill. At the end of the drill, instruct the students to return to their seats. Warn them of the possibility of injuries and how they should report them. Warn them of aftershocks and explain that they may need to duck and cover again. Instruct the students that they should not leave the classroom until given the "all clear" by authorities.
Show the students the planned evacuation route from the classroom to the designated safe place outdoors. This helps students learn the correct route to take in case of an evacuation due to earthquake. As they walk, instruct the students to take mental notes of all the potential hazards along the way. Potential hazards include power outage, toppled lockers or other furnishings blocking the exits, smoke or fire, jammed doorways, broken glass and aftershocks.
Students need to know what to do if they are not at their desk when an earthquake hits. Teach them how to find an interior wall and kneel beside it. Instruct the students to face away from any windows or other glass. Ask the children to practice covering their heads with their arms. If coats or jackets are available, have the students use them to cover their heads and necks.
Students also need to learn what to do if they are outside and an earthquake strikes. Teach them to stay outdoors and away from things that could fall on them, such as street lamps, power lines or buildings. Take them to the playground or other outdoor area and talk through the scenario. Have the students practice staying calm and following instructions until the danger has passed. Many schools teach a basic first aid course so students can bandage wounds in the event fellow students are injured.
Conduct earthquake drills on school buses. The driver should stop the bus and park away from buildings, bridges, overpasses, trees and power lines. Instruct students to duck in their seats and cover their heads. Practice remaining calm. This is the correct procedure for any moving vehicle during an earthquake, not just school buses.