How to Create a Family Meeting Point Plan

Why Every Family Needs Meeting Points

Picture this: You're at work downtown when your desk starts to shake. Papers fly off shelves, and the building groans as the earthquake rolls through. Your first thought? Your kids. One is at school across town, the other at soccer practice in the park. Your spouse left for a client meeting an hour ago—you can't remember where. You grab your phone to call, but the screen shows no signal. Cell towers might be overwhelmed or damaged. In this moment of chaos, where does your family go?

This scenario happens in countless households during earthquakes and other disasters. Families often get separated when emergencies strike during work hours, school days, or routine errands. The natural instinct is to immediately call or text, but during major earthquakes, cell towers can become overloaded. Even if towers remain standing, thousands of people simultaneously trying to reach loved ones can create a communication blackout.

This is precisely why every family needs predetermined meeting points—they're your backup communication system when modern technology fails. Having a plan doesn't just provide a practical solution; it reduces the panic and confusion that can cloud judgment during already stressful situations. When your children know exactly where to go, they don't waste time wandering or making potentially dangerous decisions while frightened.