Earthquake alarm goes off in school

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - An earthquake alarm is a sound no student ever wants to hear. That's what students at Glen Acres Elementary school heard at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday.

"Just as soon as they heard the sound, they went ahead and dropped to the floor," said third-grade teacher Megan Hatkey. "They got under their desks or their tables and then they just held on and sat there perfectly quiet. They were very well-prepared."

Students at Glen Acres practiced for the drill all week as part of a statewide earthquake drill. Although many students are too young to remember the earthquake Lafayette experienced in 2008, some teachers like Hatkey remember it first hand.

She said that's why it is important to practice these drills.

"It shows the kids that there is a reason to participate, even though we don't live in California," said Hatkey.

Although earthquakes are not as prevalent in Indiana as they might be along the west coast, there is still the possibility of an earthquake. After all, Indiana does sit on top of the New Madrid Fault Line.

Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation Education Training Director Keith Adams said educating children here in Indiana is still important.

"The more we have children in school practice earthquake drills, the more they bring home to the parents," said Adams. "Then, they can practice the earthquake drills and discuss with them their safety plans at home."

One of the most important steps in a safety plan is taking cover under a sturdy structure.

"The ceiling tiles, the light fixtures. Those are the things that would probably do the most damage to the children during an earthquake," said Adams.

 Adams said if an earthquake happens while your family is at home, the same precautions still apply.

"If you are at home, follow the same rules," said Adams. "Drop, find good cover and hold on."

Adams also advises to act quickly.

"There will not be any pre-warnings like we have with our tornadoes," said Adams. "Have a safety plan, practice your safety plan and execute it whenever possible."