Earthquakes, one of Mother Nature’s most unsettling phenomena, are unpredictable and can strike without warning. That’s why it’s important for you and your family to learn how to prepare for an earthquake, and develop a plan to react quickly and safely if a disaster strikes, and ensure you have enough insurance protection in case of an earthquake or other natural disaster.
Preparing your Family & Home for an Earthquake:
- Locate and learn how to use the shutoff valves for water, gas and electricity in your home.
- Prepare an emergency earthquake kit with clothing, non-perishable food items and bottled water to last you and your family for at least 72 hours.
- Bolt down and secure your water heater, refrigerator, furnace and gas appliances to the wall studs.
- Hold earthquake drills with your family members: Drop, cover and hold on!
During an Earthquake:
- Remain inside of your home and seek shelter under a heavy table or desk, brace yourself inside a door frame or inside wall.
- Stay at least 15 feet away from windows and out of kitchens if possible.
- Stay under the structure that is protecting you. If the shaking causes the table or desk to move, then you should move with it so you remain protected.
- Do not panic, and anticipate what you should do next to remain safe.
Follow these guidelines to remain safe after the ground stops shaking:
- Remain in your safe location for several minutes in case there are any aftershocks.
- Do not leave your home unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.
- Check your family members for injuries and administer first aid.
- Establish a temporary shelter area in your home away from areas that have severe damage.
- Watch or listen for Tsunami or Mudslide/Landslide warnings that may follow.
Are you Protected?
In the VI, earthquake coverage is usually included in a standard homeowner’s policy by endorsement. However, it is best to speak with your agent to ensure that it’s really included, and at a level that will protect you to your satisfaction. You may need to purchase either a supplemental policy to your current homeowner’s policy, or increase your premium. Automobile insurance policies generally cover vehicles for earthquake damage under the optional comprehensive portion of the policy.
Earthquake policies typically cover damage to your house and your belongings, up to the insured amount. If possible, you’ll want to buy enough to cover the cost of rebuilding your house and replacing your belongings. While your standard homeowner’s policy may cover fire damage that results from an earthquake, an earthquake policy is important to cover damage that results from shaking, such as structural collapse.
In assessing your financial exposure, it’s important to know that the government typically will not provide much financial aid for earthquake victims, and help may be limited to low-interest loans that you will need to repay.
If you have questions regarding your policy, our team would be happy to advise you or review your policy.
Additional Resources:
- Tsunami Safety Guide
- Landslide/Mudslide Safety Guide
- https://tsunami.gov/
- http://www.vitema.vi.gov/plan-prepare/tsunamis
- Puerto Rico Seismic Network
Source for tips: FEMA
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