What is the Drop-Cover-Hold procedure in schools?

Drop-Cover-Hold is the standard earthquake safety procedure used in schools and recommended by the American Red Cross and FEMA. Drop means getting on hands and knees to prevent being knocked down. Cover means moving under a sturdy desk or table, or if no cover is nearby, moving to an interior wall away from windows and covering the head and neck with hands and arms. Hold means gripping the shelter or maintaining the covered position and holding on until the shaking stops. The procedure should be practiced until it is reflexive because an actual earthquake event does not provide time for instruction.

How do schools in earthquake-prone areas communicate drill frequency?

In California, Oregon, and Washington, earthquake drills are required by state law and are typically conducted annually or more frequently. The Great ShakeOut national earthquake drill, held every year in October, provides a structured opportunity for schools to practice Drop-Cover-Hold with a large national community. Many schools in high-risk regions participate in the ShakeOut as their primary annual drill. The school newsletter should communicate the drill date, the procedure, and any additional earthquake readiness measures the school has taken.

What building safety information should a school share with families about earthquakes?

Share relevant information about the school building's seismic safety status if it is publicly available. In California, for example, the Field Act governs school building construction and seismic standards. Families who know that the school building meets or exceeds current seismic safety standards have greater confidence in the school's ability to protect their children. If the school has undergone a seismic retrofit, name it. If the building has identified vulnerabilities and a remediation plan, be transparent about both.

How does a school communicate with families after an actual earthquake event?

After a real earthquake, the first communication should confirm student safety, describe the evacuation or shelter status, and tell families whether school will continue or whether early dismissal is in progress. Do not release students to pickup until the building has been inspected and cleared by qualified staff. The newsletter that follows in the hours or days after the event should describe what happened, how the school's procedures performed, and any damage or safety concerns that affect the school's ability to operate normally.

Can Daystage help schools send earthquake preparedness newsletters?

Yes. A Great ShakeOut communication or annual earthquake drill newsletter is a good candidate for a Daystage template because the core content changes little from year to year. You update the drill date and any new building safety information and send the same well-organized communication annually. Schools that send consistent safety communications build family confidence in their emergency preparedness over time.

School Newsletter: Earthquake Drill Communication

Earthquake drills are practiced in schools across the western United States and in any school near a known fault system. A well-written drill communication prepares both students and families for what to expect, explains the procedure in terms families can reinforce at home, and describes the school's broader earthquake readiness so families know that the drill is part of a comprehensive safety program.

Open with the drill date and the legal or program context

If your school participates in the Great ShakeOut national drill, name it. "On [date], [School Name] will participate in the Great ShakeOut, an annual earthquake drill practiced by millions of people in schools, workplaces, and homes across the country. California state law requires schools to conduct earthquake drills annually, and the Great ShakeOut provides a structured, nationally coordinated opportunity to practice our Drop-Cover-Hold procedure." That framing tells families the drill is coordinated, required, and practiced by their community, not just their school.

Explain the Drop-Cover-Hold procedure clearly

Describe the procedure in plain steps so families can practice it at home with their children. "When the drill begins, students will practice the Drop-Cover-Hold procedure: Drop to hands and knees. Take cover under a desk or table, or against an interior wall if no cover is available. Cover the back of the neck with one arm and grip the shelter with the other. Hold the position until the all-clear is given. Students should practice this procedure without hesitation because in a real earthquake, there is no time to think through the steps. We will practice today so that the action becomes automatic."

Describe what happens after the initial shaking phase

The drill does not end when the shaking simulation stops. "After the Drop-Cover-Hold phase, students will practice the evacuation procedure if the building inspection indicates that the structure may be unsafe. In a real earthquake, building evacuation occurs only after shaking stops and an initial damage assessment is completed. Students will not go outside during shaking. Our evacuation route for an earthquake scenario leads to [location], away from power lines and building overhangs." Explaining the full drill sequence prevents students from being confused about why the fire exit procedure they know for fire drills is different from what happens during an earthquake.

Share the school building's seismic safety status

"Our school building was constructed in [year] and meets [California Field Act standards / the current seismic code for public school buildings]. [A seismic retrofit of the main building was completed in [year].] We have conducted an internal inventory of unsecured heavy items and have anchored bookshelves, file cabinets, and equipment that could present a hazard during shaking. Our emergency supplies, including a 72-hour water supply and first aid kits, are stored in [location]." Specific building safety information tells families that the school's earthquake preparation goes beyond one annual drill.

Tell families how to practice Drop-Cover-Hold at home

"We encourage all families to practice the Drop-Cover-Hold procedure at home. Walk through each room and identify where the safe cover spots are: under a sturdy dining table, away from windows and exterior walls. Practice the procedure together once so every family member knows what to do without thinking about it. The American Red Cross and FEMA have free home earthquake preparedness guides at [link]." A family that has practiced the procedure once is significantly better prepared than a family that has only read about it.

Explain the family reunification plan for a real event

"In the event of a real earthquake, students will not be released for pickup until the building has been assessed and a family reunification process has been established. Do not come to the school immediately after a significant earthquake. Wait for communication from the school confirming the reunification location and procedure. Our emergency communication will go out through [system] as soon as we are able to send it. Your emergency contact information on file will be used for notification."

Close with the Great ShakeOut participation note and your contact

"On [date] at [time], we will join millions of people across the country in practicing Drop-Cover-Hold together. If you would like to participate with your family or workplace on the same day, register at shakeout.org. Questions about our earthquake preparedness can be directed to [name] at [email]."

School Newsletter: Earthquake Drill Communication for Families