The DomiDocs Guide to Earthquake Preparedness

Determine your personal earthquake risk.

Do you know if you live in an earthquake-prone zone? Have you ever checked to see how close are you to a fault line? Government websites in earthquake-prone zones offer interactive fault maps so you can determine your risk.

Know the signs of an earthquake.

Two scenarios are likely during an earthquake:
1. you may be jarred by an initial violent jolt, followed by shaking where you may find it difficult to stand up or move around
2. you may hear a rumbling or roaring sound that increases in intensity; this can be accompanied by a gentle rolling sensation that then turns more violent.

Develop an evacuation plan.

Every member of your family needs to know what your homeowner evacuation plan is. Where will you go? How will you get there? What optional evacuation routes will you have if your initial choice is blocked? Where will you stay? Knowing these basics in advance can help stem panic during an actual natural disaster situation. Have a to-go bag in place with all the supplies you’ll need, including items for your pets. If you’ll need assistance in traveling, you’ll need to confirm with someone in advance. And be sure to follow any evacuation orders that have been issued. As a family, discuss how you can help your neighbors during a natural disaster by checking in or helping them evacuate as well.

Assemble disaster supplies for your family members and your pets.

The American Red Cross recommends gathering 2 emergency supply kits:

1. A Go-Kit: with a 3-day supply of items you can carry with you, including chargers for your devices (cell phone, wheelchair, CPAP, etc.) and backup batteries; as well as non-perishable food, water, and medications. Cash is also important to have on hand as ATMs may not be working/accessible. 
2. A Stay-at-Home Kit: with a 2-week supply of the above items.

 

NOAA recommends adding the following to round out your emergency disaster supply kits, where applicable:

• masks, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer
• non-prescription medicine such as antacids, anti-diarrhea, and pain relievers
• contact lens solution/prescription eyeglasses
• baby bottles, formula, wipes, diapers, and diaper rash cream
• feminine hygiene supplies
• sleeping bags/blankets
• a change of clothing for each family member, including sensible footwear
• fire extinguisher
• matches in a fireproof container
• mess kit with plates, utensils, cups, and paper towels
• activities for kids like puzzles, games, or books

Review/update your homeowner insurance policy.

It’s estimated that 40% of Americans can’t find an important household document when needed, so the first step is to upload your vital household documents to our user-friendly digital platform, so there’s easy access 24/7/365. Secondly, reassess your homeowner policy to ensure you have the best coverage to fit your needs. Compare the cost and coverage that you have in place, to what else is available from your current insurer and other companies. If there have been any major additions to your home and/or contents in the last year, it’s time to review your homeowner insurance policy to ensure it’ll cover your new additions. Do you have earthquake insurance coverage for your home? According to Rocket Mortgage, “Annual earthquake insurance premiums can range from $800 – $5,000, and policy deductibles can be as high as 10 – 20% of your coverage limit.”

Make your home disaster-resistant.

Depending on where you live across America, insurance companies may reward your efforts in making your home disaster-resistant by offering discounted homeowner insurance premiums. Strengthen structural areas of connection in your home including support beams, posts, plates, and joists; and exposed framing in basements, garages, porches, and deck covers on patios. Keep your roof and chimney in good shape as loose tiles and bricks can easily cause roof damage during an earthquake; reinforcing the ceiling around the chimney with 3/4” plywood can help protect your family from falling bricks. Upgraded plumbing systems can lessen the risk of water damage from an older broken pipe. Anchor heavily laden bookshelves securely to walls; the same goes for any items that can topple over including artwork on walls, heavy mirrors, cabinet doors, and standing clocks; essentially anything that’s near where you sleep or sit should be secure. Wrap your water heater and attach it to the wall studs.

Have supplies on hand to make emergency repairs.

Such supplies can include plastic sheeting, tarps, sandbags, and/or plywood, plus the necessary tools to apply these to your home like a staple gun and/or duct tape.

Before an earthquake, consider adding these to your emergency repair toolbox:

• gloves
• an ax
• a broom
• a shovel
• rope

Complete a written disaster plan.

Now that you’ve got everything in place, there’s no better way to solidify it than by making a written plan, which should include regularly practicing your escape route, and maintaining your disaster prep plan supplies by replacing expired items. Ensure your plan includes a contact list, with at least one contact who lives outside the impacted area; share your disaster plan with family and friends. Register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well website so friends and family will know you are okay.

Take the time to emergency life-saving skills.

The American Red Cross recommends that adults and kids around the age of nine learn first aid and CPR skills.