Earthquake Awareness and Preparation

A couple seconds of an earthquake can shake up families for months or even years. The most critical consideration of earthquake awareness and preparation is how to recover from a disaster. Participating in drills is important for preparing for the situation but drills do not go over how to recover from an earthquake.

Step #1: Secure Your Surroundings and Be Aware of Potential Threats

Securing your belongings is the first step towards earthquake preparedness. Earthquakes can send items flying, like large furnitures. Heavy furniture should not be placed in areas where people sleep or spend a lot of time stagnant. Small heavy objects like vases should be placed on lower levels of elevation where they cannot fall onto people rushing to safety. Heavy items that can be secured and bolted should be double checked like water heaters, televisions and bookshelves. 

Step #2: Planning and Communication with Loved Ones 

Planning the next action steps to take during a disaster will mitigate confusion and panic. The initial earthquake is not the only threat. Once the earthquake has calmed down, there are potential threats to be aware of like aftershocks, fires, smoke, gas and water leaks, floods and exposed electricity wires. Make a plan with your loved ones on where the safest location to meet up and be aware that cell towers and public internet may be shutdown. 

Step # 3: Stock Disaster Supplies in a Convenient Location

Stocking your supplies in a convenient, safe and accessible location will help recover from a disaster. Plan to have emergency supplies stocked and accessible like clean bottled water and canned food (don’t forget the canned opener!). Other important items are medical supplies, maps, flash lights (with batteries), emergency phones, radios, and copies of identification. 

Step #4: Preparing Important Documents, Finances and Insurance

Prepare a designated bag that you can easily “grab and go” in an emergency. Store important documents in a waterproof and sealed plastic bag. Some documents you will need are: copies of identification, insurance cards, insurance policies, emergency contact list and even photos of important belongings in your home. This process will help speed up recovery when filing your insurance claim. 

Step #5: Prepare a Restoration Plan

Preparing a plan on how to recover from a potential big earthquake will help rebuild your life in a few months instead of years. By properly documenting your items and having them accessible, you can provide all the needed documents to your insurance of what in your home needs to be replaced, repaired and/or restored. A professional contractor like Allied Restoration is able to help rebuild your life by working with your insurance company and provide free estimates on all the damages for your insurance claim.

Please do not hesitate to call us today at 844-562-7377 to schedule a free inspection.