California is Earthquake Country

By Kathy Marshall

Water Restoration Technician, Emercon Restoration

Every day In Southern California is Earthquake Day; on January 17th 1994 at 4:31 am Northridge, CA was hit by a 6.7 magnitude earthquake, 57 people died immediately or within a few days from in the earthquake; first responders were slow to respond due to a collapsed freeway system. Thousands were injured and thousands more found themselves homeless. Gas, water, and electricity were cut and many were without services for weeks.   We do not need to be reminded of the danger from earthquakes.

Are you prepared for an earthquake? Below are seven steps for earthquake safety:

1. Identify potential hazards in your home and fix them
2. Create a disaster plan and practice it with your family members
3. Create a disaster supplies kit
4. Identify your buildings potential weaknesses
5. During an earthquake and aftershocks, drop, cover, and hold on
6. After the shaking stops check for damage and injuries needing immediate attention
7. When safe follow your disaster plan

Answers to many questions can be found at www.earthquakecountry.info

FEMA Earthquake Resources can be found at http://www.fema.gov/earthquake

Earthquake coverage is NOT automatically included on your homeowner's policy.  You have to pay extra for this coverage and depending on which company insures the home, may be a separate policy or even a separate insurance provider, like the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). 
 

www.Emercon.com