Earthquakes are inevitable, but there are ways you can take action to protect you and your family during a disaster. Almost all earthquake damages and losses can be reduced by the following seven steps you take before, during, and after. These helpful and important steps are provided by Earthquake Country Alliance:
Step 1: Secure it now!
Reducing and/or eliminating hazards throughout your home, neighborhood, workplace and school can greatly reduce your risk of injury or death following the next earthquake or other disaster. Conduct a “hazard hunt” to help identify and fix things such as unsecured televisions, computers, bookcases, furniture, unstrapped water heaters, etc. Securing these items now will help to protect you tomorrow.
Step 2: Make a plan
Make sure that your emergency plan includes evacuation and reunion plans; your out-of-state contact person’s name and number; the location of your emergency supplies and other pertinent information. By planning now, you will be ready for the next emergency.
Step 3: Make disaster kits
Having emergency supplies readily available can reduce the impact of an earthquake on you and your family. Your disaster supplies kits should include food, water, flashlights, portable radios, batteries, a first aid kit, cash, extra medications, a whistle, fire extinguisher, etc.
Step 4: Is your place safe?
Most houses are not as safe as they could be. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, there are things that you can do to improve the structural integrity of your home. Some of the things that you might consider checking include inadequate foundations, un-braced cripple walls, soft first stories, and vulnerable pipes. Consult a contractor or engineer to help you identify your building’s weaknesses and begin to fix them now.
Step 5: DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON!
Learn what to do during an earthquake, whether you’re at home, at work, at school, or just out and about. Taking the proper actions, such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”, can save lives and reduce your risk of death or injury. During earthquakes, drop to the floor; take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly. Be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.
Step 6: Check it out!
One of the first things you should do following a major disaster is to check for injuries and damages that need immediate attention. Make sure you are trained in first aid and in damage assessment techniques. Be prepared to report damage to city or county government.
Step 7: Communicate and recover!
Following a major disaster, communication will be an important step in your recovery efforts. Turn on your portable radio for information and safety advisories. If your home is damaged, contact your insurance agent right away to begin your claims process.
Here at PTL Insurance, we are committed to protecting the community from all disasters. We’re all in this together, so talk to your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers about what you’ve learned about how to stay safe during earthquakes in California. Another important step to take to keep yourself secure is to rely on our services. We provide the best Earthquake insurance in California and pledge to help prepare you for all potential risks that come with living in this state. As a California resident, are you concerned about potential property damage caused by earthquakes? California is subject to several thousand earthquakes each year. This is why our earthquake insurance is a type of property insurance that aids the policyholder if an earthquake causes damage to your property. While this includes damage done to your home, ordinarily home or renters insurance policies do not include coverage for earthquakes and other natural disasters. Therefore, not only will we help you determine your ideal California earthquake insurance policy, we can offer you suggestions on how to better protect your home and property from damage during a quake. So when the next earthquake comes around, know that your home is safe and sound with our insurance protection!
