How to Make a Family Emergency Plan for Earthquakes

Parents & guardians · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before starting your family earthquake emergency plan?

Before you begin crafting your family’s earthquake emergency plan, gather important information and prepare supplies to make the process smoother and more effective. Start by collecting everyone’s full names, phone numbers, email addresses, and any relevant medical information such as allergies or medications. Include contact details for schools, doctors, neighbors, and local emergency services. Write this information down on a printed list to keep in your emergency kit and share digitally with family members.

Next, assess your home’s structure and identify safe spots to take cover during an earthquake. These are typically sturdy furniture like heavy tables or desks, or areas near interior walls away from windows, glass, or heavy objects that might fall. Walk through each room with your children and show them these locations clearly.

An emergency kit is essential and should include enough water (about one gallon per person per day for at least three days), non-perishable food items, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, prescription medications, sturdy shoes, and blankets. If you have infants, include diapers and formula. Don’t forget special items like copies of important documents in a waterproof container and comfort items for children, such as a favorite toy or book.

Having a home map or floor plan helps visualize safe spots and meeting points. Consider the routes to safe outdoor meeting spots and neighbors’ homes. This preparation sets a strong foundation for your family’s earthquake plan.

What are the step-by-step instructions to make the plan and why?

Creating your family’s earthquake emergency plan is a step-by-step process that builds safety and confidence. Here’s a detailed, numbered guide with reasons behind each step:

1. Talk about earthquakes openly: Explain what earthquakes are using simple terms appropriate for your children’s age. For example, say, “Earthquakes happen when the ground shakes because of movement inside the Earth.” This helps your children understand why preparing is important and reduces fear of the unknown.

1. Identify safe places to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”: Teach your children to drop to their hands and knees, cover their head and neck with their arms, and hold on to sturdy furniture. Practice together by kneeling under a heavy table or crouching against an interior wall. This action protects them from falling objects during shaking.

1. Choose two meeting places: Pick a safe spot near your home, such as a large open space in the yard or park, and a second location outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home. For example, “After the shaking stops, we will meet by the big tree in the park, and if we can’t get home, we’ll meet at Grandma’s house.”

1. Make an emergency contact list: List phone numbers and email addresses of all family members, neighbors, schools, and emergency services. Include an out-of-town relative or friend who can help relay messages if local phone lines are busy.

1. Decide how to communicate: Since phone lines can be overloaded, agree on a method such as texting, social media messaging, or using a pre-chosen out-of-town contact. For example, “If you cannot call, send a text to Aunt Maria, and she will let us know you are safe.”

1. Prepare and maintain an emergency kit: Assemble and store your kit in an accessible place. Include water, food, flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, medications, sturdy shoes, and comfort items. Check and update the kit every six months.

1. Assign family roles: Designate who grabs the emergency kit, checks on pets, collects important documents, or helps younger siblings. For example, “Mom will get the kit, Dad will check on the pets, and you will help your little brother.”

1. Practice earthquake drills regularly: Conduct drills at different times of the day and in various scenarios such as when someone is cooking or watching TV. Practice the entire plan, including meeting at designated spots and checking in via agreed communication methods.

Following these steps prepares your household for an earthquake by clarifying roles, methods, and safety actions, reducing panic and confusion when seconds count.

How can you tell if your family emergency plan for earthquakes works?

A successful emergency plan is one your family can execute calmly and confidently during an earthquake drill or actual event. Key indicators include:

• Everyone knows how to perform “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” without hesitation. For example, during a drill, your child should immediately get under a sturdy table or crouch near an interior wall and hold on firmly.

• Family members can quickly locate and grab the emergency kit. Practice where it is stored so no time is wasted searching.

• Everyone reaches the designated meeting spots safely within a reasonable time frame after the drill.

• Communication methods work under test conditions. For example, texting the out-of-town contact should get a response confirming messages were received.

• Children can explain the plan clearly when asked, showing they understand their role and the steps they need to take.

• The family feels less anxious about earthquakes because they have practiced and know what to expect.

To confirm your plan’s effectiveness, conduct drills every few months and adjust based on challenges encountered. Keep a log of drills noting what went well and what needs improvement. This way, your plan evolves with your family’s needs.

What should you do if the plan goes wrong during an earthquake?

Even the best plans may face unexpected challenges during an earthquake. If something goes wrong, stay calm, adapt quickly, and keep safety as the priority:

• If a designated safe spot is blocked or unsafe due to falling objects or debris, find the nearest alternative safe place immediately. For example, move away from windows or heavy furniture that could fall.

• If communication methods fail, do not panic. Use your pre-planned meeting spots and wait for family members there.

• If someone is injured or unable to move, provide first aid if you can and call emergency services as soon as possible.

• If family members become separated, use the out-of-town contact to check in and arrange reunification.

• After the earthquake, talk with your children about what happened. Ask them how they felt and what was hard to do, then update the plan to address those difficulties.

• Reassure children that it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly, as long as everyone stays as safe as possible.

Responding calmly and reviewing the plan afterward ensures that your family learns and improves its readiness.

How can parents and guardians adapt the earthquake plan to their family’s needs?

Every family is unique, so customize your earthquake emergency plan to fit your household’s specific requirements:

• For young children: Use simple language and visual aids like pictures, drawings, or storyboards showing the steps to take. For example, create a colorful chart with images of “Drop,” “Cover,” and “Hold On,” and safe meeting places. Reinforce learning through games and role-playing.

• For older children and teens: Involve them in developing the plan by letting them help choose meeting spots and pack emergency kits. This involvement builds responsibility and confidence.

• For children with special needs: Consider mobility or sensory issues when identifying safe spots and meeting places. Include any special medical supplies or devices in the emergency kit.

• For families with pets: Plan pet care during emergencies. Assign someone to grab pet supplies and food, and know which shelters accept pets if evacuation is required.

• For multi-family households or caregivers: Make sure everyone knows the plan, their roles, and how to communicate. Share copies of the plan and emergency contact lists.

• For families with non-English speakers: Translate the plan and emergency contact lists into the preferred language. Use simple, clear wording and pictures.

Regularly update your plan as family members grow or circumstances change, and practice accordingly to keep everyone prepared.

What additional resources can help teach kids about earthquake safety?

Using age-appropriate and engaging resources helps children understand and remember earthquake safety protocols. Here are some ideas:

• Storybooks and videos: Find books or cartoons that explain earthquakes and safety steps in a friendly way. Reading together can spark questions and calm fears.

• Interactive activities: Use drawing or coloring activities to help children illustrate your family’s plan, such as drawing where to meet or safe places in the home. This visual reinforcement aids memory.

• Role-playing drills: Practice scenarios where children act out their roles, like grabbing the emergency kit or sending a text message to a family member.

• School and community programs: Encourage children to participate in drills and educational events organized by schools or local emergency management offices.

• Printable checklists and charts: Use kid-friendly checklists that they can help complete, such as packing their own small emergency bag.

Resources such as How to Make a Family Emergency Plan for Kids and Family Emergency Plan Drawing Activities for Kids provide excellent materials that parents can use to engage children in preparedness.

How often should you review and practice your earthquake emergency plan?

Regular review and practice are essential to keep your family prepared. Aim to review the plan and emergency kit contents every six months or after any major changes such as moving, adding a family member, or after an earthquake event.

Schedule earthquake drills at least twice a year, varying the time of day to cover different situations, such as when family members are home, at school, or at work. Practicing in different scenarios helps everyone adapt to real-life surprises.

During drills, simulate the entire process: dropping and covering, evacuating to meeting spots, and using communication methods. Afterward, discuss what went well and what could improve. Ask your children how they felt and if anything was confusing.

Keep a family preparedness journal to track drills, kit updates, and changes to the plan. This documentation motivates regular practice and helps identify patterns to address.

Frequent practice builds muscle memory and confidence, so when an earthquake occurs, your family can act quickly and safely.

Frequently asked questions

How do I help my child remember where safe spots are during an earthquake?

Use simple, repeated drills where your child physically moves to the safe spots and practices “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Create visual reminders like signs or pictures near those spots to reinforce learning.

What should I include in an emergency kit for a family with young children?

Pack child-sized water bottles, snacks, diapers, blankets, small toys, and any medications. Include copies of your child’s medical records and contact information for their doctor.

What if my child is at school when an earthquake happens?

Coordinate with your child’s school about their earthquake preparedness and reunification procedures. Ensure your emergency contact list includes school phone numbers and that your child knows your out-of-town contact’s information.

How can we keep pets safe during an earthquake?

Keep pet leashes, carriers, food, and water in a designated spot. Assign a family member to care for pets during emergencies and know which shelters accept pets if evacuation is necessary.

Can children help improve the earthquake plan?

Yes, involving children in planning, packing kits, and practicing drills increases their understanding and confidence. Let them share ideas and express concerns to make the plan better suited to their needs.