After the island was rocked by a 5.6-magnitude earthquake on Monday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness is urging parents and teachers to initiate discussions with children about the proper procedures to follow in the event of an earthquake.

“Our children, based upon some of the reports I have been getting and there have been a few children admitted to some of our hospitals, it [earthquake] had an impact on them and it has created a bit of anxiety. Now is a good time for parents to talk to your children about what to do in the event of a disaster like an earthquake,” the prime minister said.

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton noted that more than 20 children were rushed to hospital on Monday, due to anxiety attacks and minor injuries following the earthquake.

“It is very important that our teachers and our parents have this conversation with our children, this is a very important practice that we should develop in our children, and indeed right across our public and private sectors, it is a requirement that you have safety wardens appointed in your institutions. You should now be carrying out your drills and being prepared,” Holness added.

The prime minister was speaking on Monday at a Office of the Prime Minister press conference.

In the event of an earthquake, the Office of Disaster and Preparedness Management (ODPEM) recommends that persons practice the ‘Duck, Cover and Hold’ procedure:

• Duck: get under a sturdy piece of furniture, making yourself into a little ball (do not duck under beds or other objects that could collapse)
• Cover: keep your head and eyes protected from falling or flying objects. Cover your head with one hand.
• Hold: with your other hand, hold onto the piece of furniture. If it moves, move with it. Stay under shelter until you are sure the shaking has stopped.