A few years ago ( three or four) I contributed to the creation of a number of earthquake safety and preparedness radio adverts for use on Uzbek national radio. The adverts appeared in both Uzbek and Russian and it was decided to have different languages for use with different children. My idea and subsequent script was to base the advice (it was for earthquakes) around a family conversations. The scripts were delivered so that there was a sequence of events and so that a natural narrative ensued. I am placing the scripts here and have now added links to the mp3 files too, but Ning wont let me! Grr! The adverts are in Russian and Uzbek though so unless you can speak the language...

 

 

Clip 1

 

There are three characters in this jingle: mother, father and 10-12 years old child.

 

 

Kid: Daddy, what is an earthquake?

 

Father: Earthquake’s are the shaking, rolling or sudden shock of the earth’s surface. Earthquakes happen along "fault lines" in the earth’s crust.

 

Mommy: Most of the time, you will notice an earthquake by the gentle shaking of the ground. You may notice hanging plants swaying or objects wobbling on shelves. Sometimes you may hear a low rumbling noise or feel a sharp jolt.

 

Kid: And how to act during an earthquake?

 

Father: The most important is not to panic!

 

Mother: The second most important thing to remember during an earthquake is to DROP, COVER and HOLD ON. So remember to DROP to the floor on your knees and get under something such as a table for COVER and HOLD ON during the shaking.

 

Father: If there is no table or bed to get under drop down onto your knees against a wall away from things that might fall on you. Stay away from windows, bookcases or heavy furniture. Try to cover your head and neck.

 

Mother: And of course, you have to stay at your place until the earthquake stops.

 

Father: And when it is over, move carefully and look out for fallen things that may cut you if you step on them.

 

 

Clip 2

 

Kid: Mommy, what can we do to be safer during an earthquake?

 

Mother: It is really important to prepare as a family.

 

Kid: But how can we be prepared?

 

Mother: Do you remember what we have been practicing at home?

 

Kid: You mean when we DROP, COVER and HOLD ON. I get under a table, drop to my knees and hold on to the table leg!

 

Father: Well REMEMBERED!

 

Mother: But we should be prepared in other ways to.

 

Kid: How so?

 

Mother: The most dangerous places in the house should be identified, for example near the windows, big and heavy things which can fall down. You need to stay away from these if an earthquake occurs!

 

Father: We should also know how to switch off the gas and electricity in order to avoid a fire starting.

Mother: There must be a first aid kit in the house, which is easy to access and won’t get lost in an earthquake.

 

Father: Moreover, it is important to have copies of necessary documents.

 

Mother: Each member of the family should know exactly appointed place for meeting after the earthquake, as well as how to get there safely!

 

Clip 3

 

Kid: How can we be prepared at home for an earthquake that may happen in the future?

 

Father: We should collect the necessary reserves and put it into a bag. These are – water, food for three days, flash-light with batteries, a portable radio with batteries first aid kit, money, whistle, matches, and necessary medicines for one week.

 

Mother: Paper and pen, important addresses and telephone numbers, linen and of course, copies of documents including birth certificates, identity cards and insurance.

 

Kid: And what we shouldn’t do during an earthquake?

 

Mother: You never should run on stairs to the exit as you might fall and hurt yourself or block   the way for others.

 

Father: Stay away from windows, as there may be broken glass, while balconies should also be avoided as these are weakened by an earthquake and may collapse.

 

Mother: If you have to leave the building after the shaking stops, use the stairs - NEVER use lifts!

 

Clip 4

 

Kid: What should we do after earthquake?

 

Mother: Try to keep calm, wait in your safety spot (such as under a strong table) and until the shaking stops and then check to see if you are hurt. Check others around you to. Move carefully and look out for fallen things

 

Father: There may be aftershocks - smaller earthquakes quiet soon after - so be prepared to return to your safety spot.

 

Mother: Be on the lookout for fires. Even if there isn’t a fire, alarms and sprinklers may go off! If you have to leave the building after the shaking stops, use the stairs - NEVER use lifts!

 

Father: In order to avoid fire you should not strike a match, use lighters or candles until you are sure that there is no gas leaking. If you smell gas you should immediately switch it off and if it is possible open windows and doors and leave the premises.

 

Mother: Don’t use the telephone except it is necessary to call fire fighters or medical services.

 

Kid: Wow! That’s quite a lot to remember!

 

Mother: Don’t worry we’ll practice our safety drill at home so that we ALL know what to do. We can make it a game if you like!

 

Father: And don’t forget you can get more information at www._________.org or find out more by telephoning_________________

 

 

P.S. In Uzbek language clips the role of 'kid' were played by a girl in and in the Russian ones it will be the boy.

 

Earthquake Safety Radio advert in Russian  part one       

Earthquake Safety Radio advert in Russian  part two

Earthquake Safety Radio advert in Russian  part three

Earthquake Safety Radio advert in Russian  part four

Earthquake Safety Radio advert in Uzbek  part one

Earthquake Safety Radio advert in Uzbek  part two