Earthquakes Explained for a 7-year-old: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How to Stay Safe

Simple, kid-friendly explanation of earthquakes for a 7-year-old: what causes them, easy safety steps (Drop, Cover, Hold On), and a short practice drill.

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Earthquakes — explained for a 7-year-old

Hi! An earthquake is when the ground suddenly shakes. It can feel like a big truck driving by, a jump on a trampoline, or someone bumping a table really hard.

What causes an earthquake?

  • Earth's crust is made of plates. Imagine a giant puzzle made of big pieces. These pieces are called tectonic plates.
  • The plates move slowly. Sometimes they slide past each other, bump, or get stuck.
  • Energy builds up and then it slips. When the stuck parts suddenly move, the energy makes the ground shake — that is the earthquake.

What you might see or hear

  • The house might shake and things can fall off shelves.
  • You might hear loud noises, like crashing or rumbling.
  • There can be little shakes afterward called aftershocks.

How to stay safe — easy steps

If you're inside:

  • Drop to your hands and knees so you don't get knocked over.
  • Cover your head and neck and get under a sturdy table or desk if you can.
  • Hold On to the table leg until the shaking stops. If no table, cover your head with your arms and stay next to an inside wall away from windows.

If you're outside:

  • Stay outside. Move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines.

If you're in a car:

  • Stop the car in a safe place and stay inside until the shaking stops.

After the earthquake

  • Check yourself and others for injuries. Tell an adult if someone is hurt.
  • Be careful of broken glass and fallen things.
  • Expect aftershocks — they are smaller shakes that can happen soon after.
  • Listen to adults and follow their instructions.

Practice Drill (fun and quick)

Practice once with a parent or teacher so you remember what to do:

  1. Say "Earthquake!" so everyone knows it's a drill.
  2. Do Drop, Cover, and Hold On for 60 seconds. Count out loud while you hold on.
  3. When it stops, check everyone is okay.

Quick tips to remember

  • Drop, Cover, Hold On — that's the most important rule.
  • Stay away from windows and heavy things that can fall.
  • Practice makes you safer and less scared.

If you have questions or want to practice together, ask a grown-up — it's good to be ready!

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