Earthquake Preparedness

earthquake 1.jpg

Shake, Rattle & Roll

Are you ready?

 

We all remember the Earthquake drills from school, right?

 
earthquake drill.png
 

There is little warning when an Earthquake will hit, and most especially, at what magnitude. Scientists have been studying recent Earthquake swarms and predicting that it is not a matter of IF the BIG ONE will hit, but rather a matter of WHEN. Just putting a minute’s worth of thought into the hazards and terror of this happening is enough to keep you up for days on high-alert.

Not all is lost, however. Being prepared for an Earthquake is as easy as checking things off a list and incorporating safety practices into your daily life. Here are a few recommendations to consider.

  • Review insurance coverage with your agent. It is a common misconception that your home insurance policy covers Earthquake. When, in fact, it is one of the perils excluded from a common homeowner’s insurance policy. This means, damage caused by an Earthquake (broken personal belongings, property damage, etc) will not be covered. Not to worry, it is simple to add this coverage to your homeowner’s policy. But, don’t wait and call your agent now.

  • Have an inventory checklist of items of value in your home. In the event that you lose your valuable personal belongings break in an Earthquake, it will help the recovery process move faster so you can get the funds needed to start replacing personal belongings. For a free copy of our Home Inventory checklist CLICK HERE

  • Look around your home for falling hazards (cabinets, wall-mounted TVs, etc) and take extra precautions to fasten and anchor them to studs in the wall.

  • Identify safe places to take cover when an Earthquake hits. It is actually recommended that you NOT take cover in a doorway or near windows. Educate yourself and family members of the safest places in your home, office and outdoors to take cover during and Earthquake.

  • Have a plan and include kids, relatives and neighbors. Redfora.com put out an amazing Emergency Plan guide to organize important household information, like emergency contacts, call lists, etc. For a free copy CLICK HERE

  • Have disaster supplies handy and easily accessible. An Earthquake can, and probably will, cause electricity and gas to go out. Think about what it will take keep you and your family comfortable and safe for at least three days. And don’t forget to include a supply of any medications that will need to be included in your supplies.

You can never be too prepared for a natural disaster like an Earthquake. Taking just a few moments now to prepare and plan will make all the difference WHEN the big one hits California. #shakeout

Not sure whether you have Earthquake insurance or have enough?

Fill out the form below for a needs analysis and someone from our agency will contact you soon.

This content is for information purposes only and may not be applicable to all circumstances. Coverage is subject to terms, conditions and a variety of rating factors. Policy issuance is subject to qualifications by insurer underwriter.

Smart Insurance Agency LUTCF