Supporting Infants And Young Children Around EARTHQUAKES

Before an earthquake:

Having a safe, stable, and supportive relationship serves as a protective factor for children who are later impacted by an earthquake.

Regularly review your earthquake plan with parents and keep updated contact information. Keep your earthquake plan updated and plan regular earthquake drills.

What childcare providers might say or do:

  • (for young children) “Today we’re going to learn about earthquakes. Earthquakes don’t usually happen. When they do, the rocks that are deep underground can move and make the earth shake. When this happens, we stay safe by dropping to the ground, getting under a strong table, and holding on until the shaking stops. I’ll show you.”*

During an earthquake:

Always check in with yourself first. If you feel overwhelmed or frozen, pause and take a deep breath (or use whatever strategy works for you) so that you can effectively follow your earthquake emergency plan. Call for help if you need it.

It is important to talk to children even before they understand the words. Talk about what is going on around them. In times of danger, assure them you are there to keep them safe.  

  • Be honest.

  • Use simple language that is appropriate for the children’s ages.

  • Let children know what is happening next.

How you speak to children is as important as the words you use. Children respond to your volume and tone of your voice. They notice your emotions, facial expressions, and body language.

What childcare providers might say or do:

  • (for an infant) “I’m going to pick you up and keep you safe.”*

  • (for young children) While physically supporting children in following your directions, you say, “I hear a loud sound and the earth is shaking. Quickly, drop, cover, and hold on.”*

  • (for young children) “That was an earthquake. It made things fall down all around us. Sometimes after a big earthquake the earth will shake a little more. Let’s stay where we are for a little while. We can all sing a song together while I come around and make sure everyone is safe.”*

Pay attention to what you say to other adults even when you do not think children are listening.

After an earthquake:

Infants and young children will share their thoughts and feelings through behavior, emotions, play, and, when they are able, language. Watch and listen closely. Expect that some children will show emotion and behavior dysregulation. Be available to provide support.

Remember that it is ok, and even helpful, to talk about what happened. When children hear adults talking about experiences and feelings, they know they can too.

Children who have had their personal lives or normal routines impacted are more likely to show reactions following an earthquake. Notice times when children are reminded of the earthquake. It is not always possible to know, but common reminders include loud sounds, when a heavy object drops and causes shaking, broken toys, or times when someone is late to pick them up.

What childcare providers might say or do:

  • (for an infant) “Baby, your body gets so jumpy and stiff when you hear a loud noise. I’m going to rub your arms and legs, hold you, and rock you.” You hum softly as you do this.*

  • (for young children) “I wonder if it’s been hard to rest during rest time because that’s when the earthquake happened. I think some of you may feel scared. Let’s all stand up and get the shakes out of our bodies.” Wiggle and shake along with the children. “Then I’ll turn on our favorite rest time music.” You and the other providers sit next to and rub the backs of children who have a hard time sleeping. You quietly reassure them that they are safe.*

As much as possible, keep regular structure and routines while expecting that children may need extra attention and reassurance.

Communicate with children’s parents/caregivers. Listen to parents’ concerns and share any concerns you have. Work together to find ways to best support the child.

*Note: These are examples. Use your own words and describe your own plan.

Earthquake Resources for Childcare Providers

Earthquake Resources to Share with Families:

Earthquake Resources to Share with Children: Review the resources with parents prior to sharing them with children.