Preparing for an Earthquake

Preparing for an Earthquake

Earthquakes have inflicted damage in all 50 U.S states. As urban development and other factors increase vulnerability to quakes, it makes sense to minimize their seismic impact on your family and property with these facts and suggestions.


About earthquakes and risk

Unlike other disasters such as hurricanes, there are no seasons or warnings for earthquakes. They can happen almost anywhere at anytime.

About 5,000 earthquakes of varying severity occur on Earth in any given year. Over the last 100 years in the U.S., while seismic activity is most commonly associated with California, earthquakes have occurred in 39 states, and have inflicted damage in all 50 states. Indeed, in some areas, such as Oklahoma, where fracking is being used to extract crude oil, there has been an increase in earthquakes, suggesting that these states may be at higher risk as well.

The potential cost of earthquake damage to lives and property has grown due to increased urban development in seismically active areas. The presence of older buildings adds to these costs because the structures may not have been built—or upgraded—to current building codes.

Everyone, no matter where they live, should understand their earthquake risk and have a disaster recovery plan that includes securing the right type and amount of insurance.

Earthquakes and insurance

Earthquakes are not covered under standard homeowners or business insurance policies. Earthquake insurance, however, is available in the form of an endorsement to those types of policies. In California, homeowners can also get coverage from the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), a privately funded, publicly managed organization. Earthquake insurance provides for damage caused by the shaking and cracking that can destroy buildings and personal possessions. Coverage for other kinds of damage…”

Continue reading this Insurance Information Institute article for more information.

 

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113 North Irwin Avenue
Ocilla, GA 31774
229-468-3444
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