Family Earthquake Plan

Learn emergency locations and safe spots in the home

• Sketch your home’s floor plan. Include signs for safe spots and danger spots, supplies, utilities, exit routes and emergency alternative exit routes, and meeting sites.
  
  
• Safe spots: Under supported archways, against inside walls and under heavy pieces of furniture like a desk or sturdy table.
  
  
• Danger spots: Unsecured, tall furniture, windows, hanging objects, mirrors, and fireplaces.
  
  
• Know the location of the water, gas, and electricity and how to operate the shut-off valves.

Make your home earthquake safe

• Conduct a home hazard hunt to identify potential dangers and take the necessary steps to correct these hazards.

Prepare, store and maintain supplies for earthquake kits

• Prepare kits for home, work, car, and children.
  
  
• Keep the kits where they can be reached.
  
  
• Rethink your kits at least once a year.

Know day time locations and medical needs of family members

• Communicate with your family about what to do and where to go when an earthquake occurs at home, school, and work.
  
  
• List any allergies, medications, or special medical needs for each family member.

Make an out-of-area and alternate contact list

• Choose out-of-town relatives or friends to contact if family members are separated.

Know where to find important documents and account numbers

• Gather important documents and policies and make copies.
  
  
• Know where the originals and copies are located.
  
  
• Important documents include: insurance policies, credit cards, bank accounts, passport (other photo ID), social security cards, household inventory, important telephone numbers, and family records (birth, marriage, and death certificates).

Assign jobs for after an earthquake

• Check for leaks, damage, and check plumbing.
  
  
• Care for children, pets, elderly or disabled persons.
  
  
• Prepare food, water, and meals.

Practice Family Earthquake Drill

• Go to each safe location and practice Drop, Cover, and Hold.
  
  
• Practice your earthquake drill at least every three months.
  
  
• Conduct surprise drills.