How to Make an Earthquake Family Plan

When an earthquake strikes, you want to be sure that your family knows what to do and where to meet. It is an unsettling situation and children in particular should be told very explicitly what the plan is in case of an emergency. An earthquake plan for a family need only be very basic and cover where to meet and what to do when a quake strikes. An elaborate plan that covers all contingencies is unlikely to be useful as the reality is no one knows when the Big One is going to hit. So focus on the basics to keep your family safe.

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the kids at school. Your first instinct might be to run to school, gather your kids and head home, but it's a mistake. Schools are first-response sites for emergency crews. Unless you are absolutely certain that your home is sound and there is no gas leak or live wires in front of or in the house, then let your kids know that they are to stay at school until a responsible adult picks them up. If they are walking or biking home, they should turn around and head back to school property.

    • 2

      Designate a location to meet. If your kids are older and driving to school or carpooling with friends, make sure that they know the location of the emergency meeting spot. It can be as simple as the mailbox at the end of your property or the sidewalk across the street, but let your kids know that you will be at that meeting spot should an earthquake happen and they are away from you. If it's safe to travel, they should make every effort to get to that meeting spot, as should you. This will minimize running around town hoping your kids are safe at a friend's house.

    • 3

      Identify an out of area contact. Local lines will jam or go down, but out of state or international lines are often easily available during an emergency. Make sure your family agrees on and memorizes and out of area contact person. This person can act as a central means of communication passing messages back and forth to family members.

    • 4

      Make sure everyone (age appropriate, of course) knows how to turn off the water, gas and electricity. While you'll need a professional to turn back on the gas, it's better to turn it off when there is a big quake as after shocks are typical and an already weakened gas line can rupture, causing danger to your family.

    • 5

      Know the evacuation location. Schools, preschools and day care centers have a designated emergency evacuation location. Know where it is so that you can get there quickly and easily without panicking after an earthquake.

    • 6

      Practice. Quiz the family on where to meet and who the out of area contact is on a regular basis. Living in earthquake country means being vigilant to the off chance that a large earthquake is going to hit. Be prepared and keep your family safe.

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