Separated from my child in an earthquake

Hilary Anderson, MA American Red Cross, shares advice for parents on what to do if you are separated from your children in an earthquake
What To Do If You're Separated From Your Kids In An Earthquake
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Separated from my child in an earthquake

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If the earthquake happens and you're at home--you're in a separate room than your child--what we don't want is for you to run to them. A lot of shaking, a lot of things flying around--we don't want you to become injured; that's not a good way for you to help your child. What you want to do is "drop, cover, and hold on"; when the shaking stops, then you can go to them. This really emphasizes why it's so important to practice with your family what to do during an emergency now. The same way that you tell your child to look left and right before crossing the street--you don't expect them to be afraid of cars; you expect them to know what to do if you're not there. We don't know when an emergency's going to strike, but what we want is for you and your family to take the protective actions so that, whether you're there or not, they know what to do when an earthquake happens. They should also "drop, cover, and hold on" during an earthquake, protecting themselves--giving you all the greatest opportunity of protecting yourselves when that emergency happens. A good thing for parents to know is to keep a "by the bed kit"--a protective pair of shoes, a flashlight--there's going to be a lot of debris and probably no electricity after an earthquake. Shaking happens--you "drop, cover and hold on." If you're in your bed, cover your face with a pillow lightly, and wait for the shaking to stop. You've got your sturdy pair of tennis shoes, a flashlight right there--you can protect your feet, see where you're going, and get to your child safely. I really can't emphasis further--practice. Practice with your family. Make sure that everyone knows what to do when that shaking happens, so whether you're together or apart, everyone's doing the right thing.

Hilary Anderson, MA American Red Cross, shares advice for parents on what to do if you are separated from your children in an earthquake

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Hilary Anderson, MA

American Red Cross

Hilary Anderson has been with the American Red Cross for the past three and a half years as a volunteer and staff member in positions with communications, disaster relief, development and volunteer services. As the Preparedness and Resiliency Manager, her primary responsibility is the delivery of educational programming across the Los Angeles region to get individuals, schools, businesses and organizations prepared for a disaster. As a dog owner, she also hopes to get your pets ready too! Hilary has a master’s degree in International Policy Studies with an emphasis in humanitarian assistance as well as a bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Journalism and German. She has worked for non-profits abroad in Israel, Bolivia and Germany focusing on grant writing, youth and education and also feeding and sheltering. 

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