Because earthquakes strike without warning, life-protecting actions must be taken immediately at the first indication of ground shaking. There will not be time to think through what to do. Therefore, of all earthquake preparedness measures, earthquake drills are the most important. Their purpose is to help students and teachers learn how to REACT immediately and appropriately. In the context of the new normal, the essential components of earthquake drills are virtual discussions, demonstrations, and exercises designed to help students learn and practice WHERE to seek shelter and HOW to protect their heads and bodies from objects (e.g., debris from ceilings light fixtures, and shattered glass).

Effective earthquake drills simulate

(1) actions to be taken during an actual earthquake and

(2) actions to be taken after the ground shaking stops.