Earthquake Safety with the Baby

Yesterday morning just before 6:30 am, we were hit with an earthquake in the southland (magnitude 4.7, 9 km NNW of Westwood according to the USGS when I checked right after it hit). It was several full seconds long... quite a doozy! Imagine my panic when I realized that I had no idea what to do (other than instinctually) in an earthquake scenario with the baby. I ended up grabbing JFJ, who was sleeping in his cradle next to me, to duck and cover under our large desk, but the quake was over by the time JFJ was in my arms.

Living in southern California requires confident know-how on what to do during an earthquake. I did some research so I wouldn't be panicked again.

According to shakeout.org, the adult caregiver should carefully take the infant in one's arms, hold him/her against one's chest, and immediately DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON with one's body shielding the infant further.

Other emergency preparedness sites indicate that if the infant is in another room or far from the adult, the adult is supposed to DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON until the earthquake is over and then attend to the infant when it is safe. This is similar to the logic behind the adult putting on the oxygen mask first when cabin pressure drops in an airplane and then helping the child put on the mask after. It's worse for the adult to be injured while trying to get to the baby during an earthquake. This goes against my instincts personally but it does make logical sense.

The important thing is to keep the baby's environment safe in case of an earthquake. Keep the crib and play areas clear of things that could fall inside from above (wall hangings, mobiles, lights, etc.). Also, use baby furniture with low centers of gravity as they are less likely to tip over.

Finally, make sure to include diapers and 72 hours worth of infant formula and bottles/nipples in your emergency kit if you have a baby.

Good to know! There is no need to panic.