Step 1 — Assess Your Household's Specific Risks
Every household faces different earthquake risks based on building type, location, geology, and the specific vulnerabilities of household members. Identify: your building's construction type and age, whether you are in a liquefaction or tsunami hazard zone, the specific needs of children, elderly, or disabled household members, and whether you have pets requiring special planning.
Step 2 — Define Your Communication Plan
Choose a single out-of-state contact person all family members will check in with after a major earthquake. Write this number on a card kept in every household member's wallet and school backpack. Agree on whether to use calls or texts — texts often get through when voice calls cannot. Establish a primary and backup meeting place near your home.
Step 3 — Designate Meeting Places
Choose two meeting places: one directly outside your home for a house fire or minor emergency, and one away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home. Pick a recognizable landmark or official location (school, fire station, community center). Make sure all household members know both locations.
Step 4 — Assign Household Roles
Assign specific tasks to each household member based on age and ability. Examples: who checks on neighbors, who shuts off utilities, who gathers the emergency kit, who monitors the radio for information, and who checks on pets. Children as young as 8-10 can have age-appropriate responsibilities that give them purpose during a frightening situation.
Step 5 — Know Your Utilities
Every adult in the household should know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity. Practice locating and operating each shutoff before an emergency. Keep a wrench near the gas meter for shutoff. Label each utility shutoff location clearly. Shutting off gas when it is not necessary can cause delays in restoration during emergencies — only do so if you detect a leak.
Step 6 — Plan for Special Needs
Consider the specific needs of infants (formula, diapers), elderly (medications, mobility aids), people with disabilities (specialized equipment, backup power for medical devices), and pets (food, carriers, vaccination records). Create a grab-and-go list for each person's special needs items.
Step 7 — Practice and Update Annually
A plan is only effective if practiced. Conduct a household earthquake drill at least twice a year, including at night when everyone is sleeping. Walk through each step of the plan. Update contact information, medications, and document copies annually. Involve children in planning — they are more likely to follow procedures they helped create.
