Earthquakes can strike suddenly and without warning. An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth's surface. Ground-shaking from earthquakes can cause buildings or bridges to collapse, disrupt utility services, and trigger events such as avalanches, fires, floods, landslides, and tsunamis. Most injuries result when buildings or walls collapse or when debris or glass flies through the air. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can greatly reduce the injuries and loss of life that typically occur when earthquakes happen. Children are especially vulnerable to hazards that may be present after
natural disasters such as earthquakes. The Earthquake Country Alliance
designed a step by step approach that shares details on what to do before, during,
and after an earthquake.
See additional information on
Earthquakes in Japan, and
Coping With Earthquakes
Children are especially vulnerable to hazards that may be present after natural disasters such as earthquakes. In the event of an earthquake, the AAP encourages pediatricians, families, and communities to work together to ensure that children's basic needs are met. Providing extra support, patience, and reassurance to children after a crisis event can help them understand and cope with what has happened.
The AAP provides various resources to help families prepare for and respond to an earthquake.