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Known as Tremor Troop, this publication contains matrices that link the classroom activities to the National Science Education Standards. The Drop, Cover, and Hold drawing shown on Master C of this Earthquake Safety Activities publication is available from FEMA as a classroom poster, as noted below.

For middle and high school teachers, FEMA and the American Geophysical Union have prepared Earthquake: A Teacher’s Package for Grades 7-12. Classroom activities are described, and activity sheets for students and background material for teachers are provided in each of the volume’s six units. Known as Seismic Sleuths, this publication also contains matrices that link the classroom activities to the National Science Education Standards.

To those of us who live and work in the Greater Los Angeles area, earthquakes and other natural emergencies are a reality. In order to deal with this situation, emergency preparedness must become a way of life. In the event of a major earthquake or disaster, freeways and surface streets may be impassable and public services could be interrupted or taxed beyond their limits.

Therefore, everyone must know how to provide for their own needs for an extended period of time, whether at work, home, or on the road.

Our goal in distributing this booklet is to encourage you to prepare for a major disaster and to maintain that readiness. Part of becoming ready is having the necessary supplies. Earthquakes and major disasters, in our area, can happen at any time. They are not totally predictable. There may be long periods between disasters. This is why it is important to maintain fresh emergency supplies through rotation of older stock into daily use. The quality of life and the potential for survival are greatly increased by being prepared.

Are You Prepared for the Next Earthquake?

This booklet is designed to help you and your family plan for and survive a major earthquake. By taking action to be prepared, you can lessen the impact of an earthquake on your family. Set aside some emergency supplies, and teach your family what to do at home during and after a disaster. You could be without help for up to 72 hours, so learn to cope for at least that long.

Movement of the ground is seldom the actual cause of death or injury. Most casualties result from partial building collapse and falling objects and debris, like toppling chimneys, falling bricks, ceiling plaster, and light fixtures. Many of these conditions are easily preventable.

Because earthquakes occur without warning, it’s important to take steps now to prepare, so that you know what you can do and how to respond — constructive, protective action is possible.