How to Find Family and Friends After an Earthquake

Q: Why should I text instead of call after an earthquake?

After a disaster the phone network is overloaded. Text messages use far less bandwidth and often get through when voice calls do not.

Q: How can my whole family find me at once?

Mark yourself safe on a shared page, like a safety profile, so everyone can check one place instead of each person trying to call or text you.

In the minutes and hours after an earthquake, phone lines jam and everyone tries to reach everyone at once. Here is how to reconnect calmly — and let your loved ones know you are OK.

If someone is injured or trapped, call your local emergency number first. This guide helps you reconnect once everyone is safe.

1. Make sure you are safe first

You can only help others once you are safe. Move away from damaged buildings, glass, and anything that could fall in an aftershock. Check yourself and the people right next to you for injuries before you focus on reaching anyone else.

2. Text — don't call

After a big quake the network is overwhelmed by everyone calling at once. A short text message uses far less bandwidth and often goes through when a voice call will not. Send one simple message to your closest contacts: "I'm safe." Keep it short to save battery and network.

Use Wi‑Fi or mobile data if calls won't connect.
Turn on low‑power mode and dim your screen to make your battery last.
Agree in advance on one out‑of‑town relative everyone messages, so news spreads from a single point.

3. Mark yourself safe so everyone can see at once

Instead of answering the same question from ten worried relatives, post your status in one place they can all check. On Locate People Now you can mark yourself Safe and share a link, so family anywhere can see you are OK without the network having to carry ten separate calls.

4. Check official reunification points

Authorities and aid groups often set up meeting points, shelters, and lists after a disaster. If you cannot reach someone, these are among the first places to look. Community centers, schools, and hospitals are common gathering spots.

5. Search by name, or post a search request

If someone is unaccounted for, you can search for them by name, or post a public search request with their last known location so anyone who has seen them can send you information. During a specific emergency, an event page lets many people check in as "safe" or "need help" in one shared place.

Let your family know you're OK

Mark yourself safe and share your link — or search for someone who's unaccounted for.

Mark myself safe Search for someone

Frequently asked questions

Why should I text instead of call after an earthquake?
The phone network is overloaded. Text messages use far less bandwidth and often get through when voice calls do not.

How can my whole family find me at once?
Mark yourself safe on a shared page so everyone can check one place, instead of each person trying to call or text you.