Insurance policies are only one part of managing personal risk. The most important tool we have for protecting our families and our finances is to be prepared for the unexpected. Earthquakes happen and in most cases without warning. Unlike many other natural disasters earthquakes typically come suddenly.
Homeowners may want to follow some basic safety tips which may reduce the damage or personal injury risks in the event of an earthquake:
- Strap and fasten gas appliances, water heaters, and other types of fixtures securely. In most areas the gas company will safety check your appliances and give you information about maintenance and safety issues.
- Fasten bookcases, wall hangings, hanging plants, shelves and other wall art securely to the walls. There are some great child proofing items in most children’s stores that will help families securely attach large object to the walls.
- Actually take the time and put together the 72-Hour Emergency Survival Kits.
- Teach everyone in the family where the main shut-offs for gas, electricity, and water are located and how to shut them off. One of the biggest problems following an earthquake are broken gas lines and resulting fires.
- Create and talk about the “family emergency plan.” teach everyone what they need to do in case of an emergency and where to meet when danger is past.
- Choose relative or friend who lives far away as a point of contact. If your family is separated this contact person can coordinate and help get everyone back in touch with each other.
- Talk with your insurance company of agent and ask for information to help you identify possible repairs and other improvements that will make your home safer and minimize damage in the event of an earthquake.
Most of all learn about what you should do in the event of an earthquake and teach it to your family. Practice what your family should do in the event of an earthquake and talk about the differences in what we do depending on the kind of emergency that might happen. The next Blog in this series will talk about what to do when an earthquake happens.
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