Living in the western U.S. means the possibility of an earthquake. Natural disasters can be destructive and costly, so it is important to be prepared. Protecting your home from earthquakes involves both retrofitting and preparation.
Retrofitting your home means reinforcing the existing structure to make it more resistant to shaking. This might include bolting your house to its foundation, bracing cripple walls, and installing seismic safety straps to support chimneys and water heaters.
Preparing for an earthquake means taking preventive measures. Make sure you secure and anchor objects such as bookshelves and artwork that could fall over in an earthquake. In addition, locate and secure vital items like electric and gas shut-off valves. Create an emergency kit that includes medical supplies, canned food, and water.
Preparing to Retrofit Your Home
The first step in preparing to retrofit your home is to speak to a qualified contractor or engineer. An expert assessment can determine whether retrofitting is necessary and what types of improvements would be beneficial. If you live in an older building, a full seismic retrofit may be necessary.
After an assessment, the next step is to come up with the necessary funds. Home retrofitting can cost upwards of thousands of dollars. If you can’t afford to do all the work necessary, prioritize the most important steps and tackle those first.
Creating an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit should include items you will need during and after an earthquake. The kit should be stored in an easy to access spot in the house and you should keep extras stored in the car. Gather flashlight and batteries, a first aid kit, a whistle, dust masks, manual can opener, and a 3-day supply of food and water.
You should also have copies of important documents, including birth certificates, bank information, social security cards, insurance policies, and passports stored in a waterproof container. Additionally, be sure to have an emergency contact list with relative, friends, and medical contacts.
Getting Earthquake Insurance
Having adequate insurance will help you pay for repairs or rebuild if your home sustains damage in an earthquake. Most standard homeowner’s policies don’t cover damage from earthquakes, so you’ll need to buy a separate policy. Earthquake insurance can also cover lost wages and temporary living expenses.
When shopping for earthquake insurance, look into what is covered and what is not. Although some plans may offer secondary coverage for damaged personal possessions, coverage for building structures is usually separate. It is important to be aware of the deductibles and all the terms and conditions in the policy.
Taking Precautions Around the Home
- Secure & Anchor Shelves, Cabinets, & Appliances
- Create Family Earthquake Plans
- Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Move Heavy Objects Away From Beds
- Install Secure Wall & Ceiling Anchors
- Locate & Secure Utilities
- Secure Tall Bookshelves to walls
Conclusion
No matter where you live, it is always beneficial to be prepared for an earthquake. Retrofitting your home and gathering what is necessary in an emergency kit is just the first step. Taking precautionary measures around the home is essential for keeping your family safe.