To set the scene for a duck and cover drill, the teacher reads this to the class. The class members do what is called for by the teacher as he or she reads. The class knows how to take cover because they have seen the illustrated directions.

 

Imagine that you hear a low, rumbling or roaring sound. The noise builds, getting louder and louder, for about ten seconds. Then WHAM! there's a terrific jolt. You feel like someone suddenly slammed on the brakes in the car, or like a truck just rammed into the side of the building.

You hear someone say, "EARTHQUAKE, DROP AND COVER!" The floor seems to be moving beneath you. It's hard to stand up or even stay in your seat.

The shaking and commotion can last as long as 60 seconds. We'll have a timer person count off the seconds for as long as the earthquake shaking lasts [The timer begins counting softly.]

The building is creaking and rattling. Books are falling from the bookcase. Hanging light fixtures and plants are swaying. Suddenly, a pot falls to the floor and smashes. A windowpane shatters and glass flies to he floor. Your desk begins to slide a little, too.

Be sure to stay in the covered position under your desk and hold on to the legs so that the desk cannot slide away from you.

You hear noises outside. Dogs are barking,, cats are meowing, a baby is crying. People are shouting and screaming. The shaking is making some distant church bells ring. You hear crashing sounds from brick chimneys and other loose building parts falling to he ground. Trees are swaying and scraping against each other or buildings.

Back inside the room, pictures are swaying on their nails and crashing to the floor. Drawers in filing cabinets and desks are sliding open and flying across the room. The light fixtures have just crashed to the floor.

The door is swinging back and forth on its hinges. BANG! It slams shut. Then there's silence. The shaking stops, and the room grows quiet. [The timer can stop counting now.]

"Please, everyone, GET BACK IN YOUR SEATS." It is important to sit quietly now and wait for instructions about what to do next. If it is safe to leave the building and evacuation is ordered by the principal, I will lead you outside to a safe place. Prepare to take cover again at any second if an aftershock strikes and the shaking starts again.

Look around and see if everyone is OK or if anyone seems to be hurt. Tell me if anyone is hurt.

Adapted from Environmental Volunteers, Hands-On Learning Package, 1963.