Earthquake with children

Explaining earthquakes to children in a calm, age-appropriate way and including them in simple preparedness steps at home builds confidence and reduces fear. The suggestions below are based on AFAD and child-focused official sources.

Short tips on earthquake with children:

Avoid fear-based language; describe earthquakes as a natural event and focus on what to do.
Practise steps like drop–cover–hold together; do a short drill at home.
Explain the assembly point and communication plan to children; teach emergency contact numbers.
Prepare the emergency kit together; a small toy or blanket for the child can go in the kit.

What to do at home

Identify safe spots (under a table, by an inner wall) with your child. Practise drop–cover–hold during a shake like a game. Teach 112 and family contact numbers for emergencies. Our What to do during an earthquake page summarises steps for adults.

School and nursery

Ask about the disaster plan and assembly arrangement at school and nursery. Tell your child that similar rules apply at school.

Earthquake preparedness What to do during an earthquake Family plan

Official sources

Last updated: 2026-02-17