Earthquakes are one of the most frightening of Mother Nature’s disasters because they are impossible to predict. As a California resident, it is important that you take measures into your own hands and prepare yourself before an earthquake occurs. Rather than waiting to pick up the pieces after disaster strikes, create a family emergency plan. Don’t make the mistake that there are no preventative measures that can help lessen the damages of an earthquake. Start planning now so that you don’t find yourself feeling lost after the next earthquake.
- Most importantly, make a family communication plan. This will help ease communication even if your entire family is split across the city. It is important that you make family disaster plan, especially if you have children in school. If your children have a cell phone, insert yours and your immediate family member’s names into their phone starting with “ICE” or In Case of Emergency. This simple gesture quickens communication for first responders. Also, designate a meeting place in the event the family is separated.
- Prepare your emergency disaster kit. The kit should be able to provide each member of your family with the basic necessities for at least 3 days. Update your kit every 6 months to make sure all family medications and important documents are available and up to date.
- Be aware of how to shut off the gas, electric and water.
- Your child should be regularly practicing earthquake drills in school, but it is still a good idea to practice them at home and answer any questions they may have – Drop, Cover, Hold on
- If you have animals, be sure to plan an emergency back-up plan in case you are unable to care for them immediately after a disaster.
Your family should feel confident that they would know how to respond to an earthquake even if they were at work, school, or even confined to the home. You should know how you would survive if your basic services such as water, gas, electricity, and telephones were cut off for a short period of time. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Contact ISU Wissink Insurance Agency to meet with an independent agent today to talk about how earthquake insurance could be beneficial for you to add to your homeowners policy.