Resources for early childhood centresNgā rauemi mā ngā pokapū mātauranga kōhungahunga

Find advice and resources to help teach young children about emergencies.

Talk to children about earthquakes

We encourage teachers to talk to children about earthquakes to help reduce fear and anxiety. Encourage children to ask questions. Give them an opportunity to express their feelings by talking or drawing. Remind them that earthquakes can be frightening but that it will get better and there will be people around to help.

An earthquake is when the ground shakes because rocks deep under the ground are moving. When a big earthquake happens there may be a loud rumbling noise. Things can start falling down around you. It might also be hard to stand up. You have to act quickly and protect yourself from things that might fall on you.

Turtle Safe | Kia Haumaru Honu Mai

Use our turtle safe video in your early childhood centres to help teach children the correct action to take an in earthquake. This video is available in English and Te reo Māori. There is a downloadable lyric worksheet that can be used alongside the video.

Remember how a turtle gets into its shell to keep safe? Here’s what you can do.

• If you are inside, quickly get under a table, and hold on to the table legs (if you can) so the table doesn't move away from you. Stay there until the shaking stops and you are told it is safe to come out by an adult.
• If you are outside or there are no tables around, take no more than three steps away from things that can fall on you. Drop, Cover and Hold.
• Remember there may be more shaking.
• Practice your earthquake drill: Drop, Cover and Hold.