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MEMORANDUM NO. 7
August 23, 1995

SAFETY AT HOME

Many children spend time at home alone or with childcare providers. Take the following steps to increase their safety:

• Turn fear into fascination1 Discuss how and why earthquakes occur and what you can do to prepare. Research shows that those who are informed about earthquakes understand and have a better chance of coping emotionally and psychologically after an earthquake.
• Develop a family plan. Discuss safe and danger spots at home. Teach children what to do if they are inside or outside, how to evacuate and where to reunite. (Do you know that doorways are no longer considered the safest places to be during earthquakes?) Practice taking cover under a sturdy desk or table!
• Discuss plans for reuniting if your family is temporarily separated. If you leave your children with a childcare provider or they'll be alone at home before or after school, take time to discuss what they should do during and after an earthquake. Select a neighbor to care for them.
• Involve your children in earthquake safety measures at home. Conduct a hazard hunt for things that might fall, move, slide or block doors and injure someone. Put together emergency supplies and include provisions for your pets.
• Teach older children how and when to turn off utilities. Review this information with child care providers.
• Teach older children how to operate the fire extinguisher.

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