University of California
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Earthquake preparedness for families with children When creating an emergency plan for earthquakes, give special attention to protecting the most vulnerable members of the family, your children. Tell the children how earthquakes occur and the importance of being prepared. When the children understand earthquakes, they can handle the situation better.
Include the children in creating and practicing an emergency action plan. Show the children the safest places to seek refuge during an earthquake, both inside and outside the home, and show them all the possible exits from each room. Have them go through the house and look for objects and furniture than could be dangerous.
Although children should not turn off any utility valves, it’s important that they know what gas smells like. Advise children to tell an adult of they smell gas after an earthquake. Always have proper car seats for your children available in case you must evacuate the home.
Make sure the children know where they should go to reunite with other family members if they are separated. Prepare an emergency card for children and keep them up to date. The emergency card should include the child’s name, address, telephone number and the same information for a few family members and close friends.
Include the name of a family member or friend that could pick up the children at school if you are not able to do so. Make sure that anyone who cares for the children has a copy. It is a good idea for older children to carry a copy with them.
As an alternative, you can have ID bracelets made for children that include the basic information.
Inform yourself about the emergency plan at your children’s school. By law in California, all public and private schools with 50 or more students must have an emergency plan in case of an earthquake.
A message from the University of California Cooperative Extension and the California Office of Emergency Services.
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