Earthquake Preparedness Checklist (EPC)*

Eliminate potential hazards in classrooms and throughout the
site:

Bolt bookcases in high traffic areas securely to wall studs

Move heavy books and items from high to low shelves

Secure and latch filing cabinets

Secure cabinets in high traffic areas with child safety latches

Secure aquariums, computers, typewriters, TV-VCR
equipment to surfaces, such as by using Velcro tabs

Make provisions for securing rolling portable items such as
TV-VCRs, pianos, refrigerators

Move children’s activities and play areas away from
windows, or protect windows with blinds or adhesive
plastic sheeting

Secure water heater to wall using plumber’s tape

Assess and determine possible escape routes

Establish a coordinated response plan involving all of the following:

Involving children:

Teach children about earthquakes and what to do (see
resource list below)

Practice “duck, cover, and hold” earthquake drills under
tables or desks no less than 4 times a year

Involving parents:

Post, or make available to parents, copies of the school
earthquake safety plan (including procedures for
reuniting parents or alternate guardians with children,
location of planned evacuation site, method for leaving
messages and communicating)

Enlist parent and community resource assistance in securing
emergency supplies or safeguarding the child day care
site:

_____

store a 3-day supply of nonperishable food (including
juice, canned food items, snacks, and infant
formula)

_____

store a 3-day supply of water and juice

_____

store food and water in an accessible location, such as
portable plastic storage containers

_____

store other emergency supplies such as flashlights, a
radio with extra batteries, heavy gloves, trash bags,
and tools

_____

maintain a complete, up-to-date listing of children,
emergency numbers, and contact people for each
classroom stored with emergency supplies

Involving child day care personnel and local emergency
agencies:

Identify and assign individual responsibilities for staff
following an earthquake (including accounting for and
evacuating children, injury control, damage assessment)

Involve and train all staff members about the earthquake
safety plan, including location and procedure for turning
off utilities and gas

Contact nearby agencies (including police, fire, Red Cross,
and local government) for information and materials in
developing the child day care center earthquake safety plan

*For more free resources contact:

(1)  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
(2)  Office of Emergency Services
(3)  Red Cross