STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST (EPC) *
Health & Safety Code 1596.867 requires an Earthquake Preparedness Checklist be included as an attachment to the
Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC 610, LIC 610A and 610A (SP)) and be made accessible to the public. This form is intended
to meet this requirement.
A. ELIMINATE POTENTIAL HAZARDS IN CLASSROOMS AND THROUGHOUT THE SITE:
Bolt bookcases in high-traffic areas securely to wall studs.
Move heavy books and items from high to low shelves.
Secure and latch filling cabinets.
Secure cabinets in high traffic areas with child safety latches.
Secure aquariums, computers, typewriters, TV/VCR
equipment to surfaces (e.g., by using Velcro tabs).
Make provisions for securing rolling portable items such as
TV/VCRs, pianos and refrigerators.
Move children’s activities and play areas away from
windows, or protect windows with blinds or adhesive plastic
sheeting.
Secure water heater to wall using plumber’s tape.
Assess and determine possible escape routes.
Enlist parent and community resource assistance in
securing emergency supplies or safeguarding the child
care site.
Store a 3-day supply of nonperishable food (including
juice, canned food items, snacks, and infant formula).
Store a 3-day supply of water and juice.
Store food and water in an accessible location, such as
portable plastic storage containers.
Store other emergency supplies such as flashlights, a radio
with extra batteries, heavy gloves, trash bags, and tools.
Maintain a complete, up-to-date listing of children,
emergency numbers, and contact people for each class-
room stored with emergency supplies.
B. ESTABLISH A COORDINATED RESPONSE PLAN INVOLVING ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
CHILDREN:
Teach children about earthquakes and what to do (see
resource list below).
Practice “duck, cover, and hold” earthquake drills under
tables or desks no less than 4 times a year.
PARENTS:
Post, or make available to parents, copies of the school
earthquake safety plan (including procedures for reuniting
parents or alternate guardians with children, location of
planned evacuation site and method for leaving messages
and communicating).
C. CHILD CARE PERSONNEL AND LOCAL EMERGENCY AGENCIES:
Identify and assign individual responsibilities for staff following an earthquake (including accounting for and evacuating children,
injury control and damage assessment).
Involve and train all staff members about the earthquake safety plan, including location and procedure for turning off utilities and
gas.
Contact nearby agencies (including police, fire, Red Cross, and local government) for information and materials in developing the
child care earthquake safety plan.
* For more free resources contact:
(1) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
(2) Office of Emergency Services (OES)
(3) Red Cross
LIC 9148 (9/00)
