Earthquake
Earthquake Procedure
- Teachers to use the trigger word “Earthquake.”
- Teachers will encourage children to, Drop, Cover and Hold. Curl up like a turtle (“Turtle Safe”), clasp hands firmly on back of head.
- Teachers to model “Turtle Safe”:
If indoors:
Get under a table and hold onto the legs until the shaking stops, otherwise be “turtle safe”.
Keep away from shelves containing heavy objects, other large items of furniture, double doors, and windows.
Stay indoors until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside
If outside:
Drop and follow instructions above.
Keep away from buildings and powerlines.
- Stay in position until instructed that it’s safe to move. Teachers will ensure their own safety and then check children/other adults and offer help or first aid – 111 will be called for anyone requiring medical assistance.
- Further instructions will depend on the extent of the damage to the building/surrounding area and if an evacuation is ordered (by Management or Civil Defense).
- If need to evacuate follow Fire Evacuation Procedure, or Tsunami Evacuation Procedure
- In the event of an evacuation the “Person Responsible” will take the Excursion Backpack (containing Gloves, Plastic Bags, Nappies, Wipes, Tissues, Whānau Contact details, and First Aid Kit) and the Emergency Kit (stored in the Storeroom). The Emergency Kit includes:
- Blankets
- Toilet Paper
- Large Rubbish Bags
- Formula
- 2x Baby Bottles
- Water
- Gloves
- 2x Torches Batteries
- Radio
- Plates
- Spoons
- Can Opener
- 4x Cans of Spagetti
- Biscuits
- Lollipops
The Earthquake drill will be carried out bi-monthly, both inside and outside. The “Turtle Safe” DVD is played regularly as a visual guide. Drills will be done at different times and on different days so all children will be covered.
In the event of a real emergency as soon as the building is evacuated the emergency services are to be contacted.
