How ABA May Support Earthquake Protective Actions

Choose the action for the person's position

Ready.gov's hazard information sheets describe dropping to hands and knees, covering the head and neck, taking cover under sturdy furniture when available, and holding on until shaking stops. The guidance also emphasizes crawling only as far as needed to reach better cover without crossing more debris.

Adapt without unsafe transfers

Ready.gov disability preparedness guidance supports planning around assistive devices and individual access needs. A person in a wheelchair, recliner, bed, or another position needs a location-specific action that avoids a dangerous transfer during shaking. Lock wheels when the current plan calls for it, protect the head and neck, and stay away from windows and falling objects. Consult local emergency and qualified mobility professionals for individual barriers.

Prepare the environment before a drill

Secure obvious falling hazards through the responsible owner or building professional. Choose a stable table or other approved cover, clear the short path, and identify post-shaking exits and gathering points. Keep shoes, flashlight, AAC, mobility devices, and essential medical supports accessible.

Practice one safe sequence

Announce the drill, use a neutral cue, perform the accessible protective action, hold for a defined brief practice interval, and end clearly. Avoid shaking furniture, dropping objects, startling the person, blocking exits, or removing assistive technology. Record environmental barriers separately from participant actions.

A practical example

Grant practices five location plans: desk, bed, wheelchair station, kitchen, and community room. Three have a safe protective action, head-and-neck cover, communication access, and post-shaking route. Two locations have unsecured overhead objects. Plan readiness is 3 of 5; facilities owns both corrections.

Questions families can use

Ask what action fits the person's current position, what protects the head and neck, which nearby hazards exist, how communication remains available, when movement resumes, and who fixes the environment. ABA earthquake safety skills should reduce unsafe improvisation.