Children are especially vulnerable during earthquakes. They are smaller, slower to react, and easily overwhelmed by fear. In real disaster scenes, I have seen that children survive best when adults act quickly, calmly, and with clear purpose. As a former firefighter, I will explain how to protect children before, during, and after an earthquake.
- ■① Why Children Face Greater Risk During Earthquakes
- ■② Teach Children Simple Earthquake Actions in Advance
- ■③ Prepare the Home With Children in Mind
- ■④ What Adults Must Do During Shaking
- ■⑤ If You Are Separated From Your Child
- ■⑥ After Shaking Stops: Check and Reassure
- ■⑦ Emotional Care After the Earthquake
- ■⑧ Practice as a Family
- ■まとめ｜Children Survive When Adults Stay Calm and Prepared
■① Why Children Face Greater Risk During Earthquakes
Children are at higher risk because:
- They cannot judge danger accurately
- They panic more easily
- They may freeze instead of moving
- They rely entirely on adult guidance
Understanding this vulnerability is the first step to protecting them.
■② Teach Children Simple Earthquake Actions in Advance
Preparation reduces fear. Teach children to:
- Drop to the ground immediately
- Cover their head and neck
- Hold on until shaking stops
- Stay away from windows and shelves
Simple repetition builds automatic response.
■③ Prepare the Home With Children in Mind
A child-safe home reduces injuries:
- Secure tall furniture and shelves
- Remove heavy objects above beds and desks
- Keep toys and clutter off evacuation paths
- Create a safe spot in each room
Most child injuries come from falling objects, not building collapse.
■④ What Adults Must Do During Shaking
When shaking starts:
- Move toward children immediately if safe
- Cover their head and neck with your body or arms
- Speak calmly and give short instructions
- Do not attempt to run outside
Your behavior controls their reaction.
■⑤ If You Are Separated From Your Child
Children may be at school or daycare:
- Trust trained staff to follow procedures
- Do not rush into dangerous areas
- Follow official reunification instructions
- Keep emergency contact information updated
Uncoordinated actions can increase risk.
■⑥ After Shaking Stops: Check and Reassure
Once shaking ends:
- Check children for injuries
- Move away from glass and unstable objects
- Prepare for aftershocks
- Reassure them verbally and physically
Children recover emotionally through adult calm.
■⑦ Emotional Care After the Earthquake
Fear may last longer than injuries:
- Let children talk about their feelings
- Keep routines when possible
- Avoid exposing them to disturbing footage
- Stay patient with behavior changes
Emotional safety is part of survival.
■⑧ Practice as a Family
Prepared families react better:
- Practice drills together
- Review plans every few months
- Adjust as children grow
- Turn preparation into a normal habit
Practice removes fear from the unknown.
■まとめ｜Children Survive When Adults Stay Calm and Prepared
Protecting children during earthquakes depends on preparation, calm leadership, and immediate action. Adults set the tone, control the situation, and make the decisions that matter most.
結論：
As a former firefighter who has worked in real earthquake disaster scenes, I have seen that children survive not because they are strong, but because adults around them are prepared. When adults act calmly and decisively, children follow—and lives are saved.
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