How to Create a Family Earthquake Plan
Step-by-step guide to creating a comprehensive family earthquake preparedness plan. Communication, meeting points, and emergency procedures.
Communication Plan
After an earthquake, phone lines may be overwhelmed. Have a plan in place.
- •Designate an out-of-area contact person everyone calls
- •Program ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts in all phones
- •Text messages often work when calls don't
- •Register with your local emergency alert system
- •Keep a written list of important phone numbers
Meeting Points
Establish meeting locations in case family members are separated.
- •Near home: front yard or a neighbor's house
- •Away from home: a school, community center, or landmark
- •Practice walking to your meeting points
- •Consider routes from school, work, and home
Practice and Review
A plan is only useful if everyone knows it and has practiced it.
- •Hold earthquake drills at least twice a year
- •Review and update your plan every 6 months
- •Update emergency supplies annually
- •Include pets in your planning
- •Share your plan with neighbors and nearby family