Earthquake Safety · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Drop, Cover, and Hold On

Science · Volcanoes & Earthquakes · ages 5-7
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. You have dropped onto your hands and knees indoors. What do you protect next?

    • Only your hands
    • Your head and neck
    • Only your shoes

  2. You are indoors and can kneel safely. What do you do first when earthquake shaking starts?

    • Run through the doorway
    • Drop onto hands and knees
    • Stand beside the window

  3. After earthquake shaking stops, you should ask a trusted adult for help.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. Why are windows a hazard during earthquake shaking?

    • Broken glass can fall or fly
    • Only the cold air near a window can hurt
    • Only windows left open can break

  5. Which action comes last in the three steps 'drop, cover, and hold on'?

    • Hold on
    • Run around
    • Stand up

  6. Why are tall shelves a hazard during earthquake shaking?

    • Only loose books can fall from shelves
    • Shelves are safe if you stand beside them
    • They can tip and things can fall

  7. Shaking has stopped at your friend's house. Their parent is nearby and is an adult you know and trust. What should you do?

    • Wait alone and keep it a secret
    • Leave alone without telling anyone
    • Ask the trusted parent for help

  8. Leo drops under a nearby sturdy desk and covers his head and neck. He does not grip a desk leg. Which safety step is missing?

    • Cover the head and neck
    • Hold on to the desk leg
    • Drop onto hands and knees
LightMySky · lightmysky.comW1-mt__pMF-Xb0TE-s1

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Drop, Cover, and Hold On W1-mt__pMF-Xb0TE-s1

  1. Your head and neck · Cover your head and neck with an arm. Use nearby sturdy shelter if it is close.
  2. Drop onto hands and knees · Drop onto your hands and knees, then cover your head and neck.
  3. True · Stay protected during shaking. After it stops, a trusted adult can help.
  4. Broken glass can fall or fly · Window glass can break and hurt you. Do not cross a room to get away from it.
  5. Hold on · Hold on follows cover. Under sturdy shelter, hold a leg while protecting your head and neck.
  6. They can tip and things can fall · A shelf itself can tip, and objects can fall from it.
  7. Ask the trusted parent for help · A nearby adult you know and trust can help after shaking stops.
  8. Hold on to the desk leg · Leo has dropped and covered. He still needs to hold a desk leg with his other hand.
Worksheet · LightMySky