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Immediately after an earthquake, or other major disaster, your first instinct will be to locate family members. Follow the family plan that you developed prior to the event.

• Rally Point
• Plan to Reunite
• Develop a Message Drop

RALLY POINT:

Decide where to meet. Identify two rally points or meeting places. Choose one immediately outside of your home and one outside of your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.

PLAN TO REUNITE:

Make a plan on where and how to unite family members. Choose a person outside the immediate area to contact if family members are separated. Long distance phone service will probably be restored sooner than local service. Remember, don't use the phone immediately after an earthquake, and make local calls only for emergencies.

PLAN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Make a plan with your family, friends, and neighbors. Assign specific responsibilities to each person. Remember that it may be difficult to get around after an earthquake, so each person's tasks should be related to where they may be, their skills and physical abilities.

DEVELOP A MESSAGE DROP:

You need to identify a secure location outside your home were family members can leave messages for each other. This way, if you're separated and unable to remain in your home, your family will know where to go to find you.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

FEMA
What to do Before an Earthquake
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_before.shtm

Los Angeles Fire Department
Emergency Preparedness Booklet
http://www.lafd.org/eqbook.pdf

Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management
Be Safe at Work
http://lacoa.org/PDF/ESP_Aug05.pdf

Shelter in Place or Evacuate
http://lacoa.org/PDF/04-09%20Shelter%20in%20Place%20or%20Evacuate.pdf

Plan for Shelter
http://lacoa.org/PDF/02-11_Plan-for-Shelter.pdf