Sports Mascot "Thunder" Helps Preschoolers Prepare for an Earthquake

Children normally learn the Three R’s in school, but the mascot of the Golden State Warriors basketball team added “Q” to preschoolers’ curriculum today by teaching them to prepare for quakes.

More than 50 youngsters at South of Market Child Care learned about earthquake safety when “Thunder,” the acrobatic bright blue Warriors mascot, led them in a Duck, Cover and Hold drill in recognition of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire centennial. Pounding on their desks to simulate the rattling of their home or school during a temblor, preschoolers then dove under their desks and protected their heads in the emergency drill. The children also received earthquake safety activity books produced by the Insurance Information Network of California and learned how to help their families stay earthquake safe in the morning program.

“The activity book is a fun learning tool that promotes household safety,” said IINC Executive Director Candysse Miller, whose non-profit association produced the books as a way to bring earthquake preparedness home.

A recent poll commissioned by IINC in partnership with Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company found that Californians recognize the risks of living in a seismically-active region, but do little to prepare their homes and families in the event of a catastrophic earthquake.

“This program is designed to teach children earthquake safety at a level they can easily relate to, understand and share with their families,” Miller said. “As we have seen with seatbelt safety campaigns, success can be driven by Kid Power. Children can have a strong influence over their parents."