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In any setting the basic first steps of earthquake response are:
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Duck down.
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Cover your head and neck with your arms.
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Hold until the shaking stops.
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When the shaking stops:
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Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself.
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Find a safe place to take stock of injury or damage.
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Turn on a radio for immediate information.
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Shut off gas, water, and electricity.
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Do not light candles.
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Do not try to relight a gas burner until it is safe.
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Gather your family members (the family is an important resource for recovery).
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Calmly and simply explain to children what has happened.
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Allow children to express their thoughts and emotions and ask questions, assuring them it is okay to be upset. Be patient and do not force them to talk about what has just happened.
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Stay together as a family as much as possible. If your children are fearful, reassure them that you love them and will take care of them. Do not make fun of immature or acting out behavior or shame the child with words like "babyish."
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Parents: be sure to take care of yourselves, because you are so important to your children.
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Gradually return to a normal routine, with regular meal and bedtimes and going back to school and to work.
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Have your house inspected to ensure the stability of the foundation, chimney, and roof.
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Turn off computers and other vulnerable electric equipment.
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Execute a smooth, non-chaotic school evacuation if needed.
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Get medical attention to injured children and staff as soon as possible.
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Take steps to inform and reassure students.
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Make sure staff follow through on emergency earthquake assignments.
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Conduct inspections with structural engineers as soon as feasible.
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Make needed repairs after the earthquake.
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In the hours and days immediately following an earthquake, teachers should:
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Identify students who had strong reactions to the earthquake, particularly those who are withdrawn, quiet, overly irritable, aggressive, acting out, or nervous.
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Support each other, talk together, and help each other care for their own family members.
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Plan shorter lessons, go at a slower pace, and give less homework than usual. Expect a decline in academic performance and avoid being critical about this.
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Set aside classroom time to help students cope with post-earthquake adversities and reminders.
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Encourage parents and students to report if a student or family member is having problems as a result of the earthquake.
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