Keeping Kids and Pets Safe During Earthquakes: What Every Family Should Know

Earthquakes strike without warning, which makes preparation crucial—especially if you have children or pets. While emergency plans often focus on adults, it’s equally important to tailor your safety strategy to protect the youngest and furriest members of your household.

Here’s how to prepare before, during, and after an earthquake to ensure the safety of your entire family.

Before the Earthquake: Prepare Your Home and Emergency Kits

1. Secure your space.Anchor heavy furniture like bookshelves and TVs to walls so they don’t topple during shaking. This is especially important in kids' rooms and areas where pets sleep or play.

• FEMA has a helpful guide on securing your home for earthquakes.

2. Pack family-focused emergency kits.In addition to your general emergency kit, make sure you include:

• Diapers, formula, and child-specific medications

• Favorite toys or comfort items

• Pet food, leashes, collapsible bowls, and waste bags

• Copies of medical records and a photo of your pet (in case you get separated)

💡 Tip: Store your kits in an easy-to-access location known to all family members. The American Red Cross offers pet-focused prep guidance, too.

3. Practice with your children.Teach your kids how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Practice earthquake drills regularly and designate a family meeting spot.

• Ready.gov’s guide for kids offers age-appropriate resources and games to make preparedness less scary and more engaging.

4. Identify safe zones for pets.Train pets to retreat to safe spaces—like under sturdy tables—during loud noises or shaking. Avoid kennels stacked on high shelves or near windows.

During the Earthquake: Stay Calm and Stay Put

1. Protect your children first.If you’re with your child during an earthquake:

• Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on.

• Shield your child’s head and neck with your body if necessary.

• Avoid windows, mirrors, and anything that might shatter or fall.

2. Do not run outside.Most injuries during earthquakes occur from falling objects or building debris. Stay indoors until the shaking stops.

3. Help pets only if it’s safe.Pets often panic and hide during earthquakes. Don’t chase them or open doors trying to rescue them mid-quake—you could put yourself in greater danger. Once the shaking stops, gently coax them out using treats or calming voices.

After the Earthquake: Reunite, Comfort, and Monitor

1. Check everyone for injuries.Provide first aid as needed and seek medical help for serious injuries. Remember, kids might not immediately verbalize pain—look for changes in behavior.

2. Reunite with pets.Scared animals may bolt or behave unpredictably. Keep them leashed or in a carrier. Check your surroundings for hazards like broken glass, spilled chemicals, or downed wires.

3. Expect aftershocks.Reassure your children and keep pets close. Have flashlights ready in case power goes out. Consider moving children and pets to a safer location if your home is structurally damaged.

4. Keep routines as normal as possible.Children and pets both benefit from structure. Maintain feeding and sleeping routines as best as you can to reduce stress.

Extra Resources

• 🧒 Earthquake safety for children (CDC)

• 🐶 Pets and disaster planning (ASPCA)

• 📘 “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill instructions (ShakeOut.org)

Final Thoughts

Kids and pets depend on you in an emergency, so it’s critical to plan ahead, keep calm, and act quickly when the earth starts shaking. The more you practice and prepare, the more confident your whole family will be when it matters most.

Stay safe—and don’t forget to add a squeaky toy or teddy bear to your go-bag!