Earthquakes: Are You Ready?

The magnitude 5.8 earthquake in central Virginia this summer was felt throughout the Eastern Seaboard, and had everyone, even those of us in Florida, thinking about the potential for another natural disaster in the U.S. Those who live on the West Coast have experienced their share of scary tremors, and even residents of the Midwest and South are threatened by quakes originating in the New Madrid Fault Line. Since virtually every portion of the U.S. is vulnerable to earthquakes, it is prudent to be prepared.

The Damage Done

As recent history has shown, quakes can destroy structures and decimate populations. Last year, a devastating magnitude 7.0 quake took at least 230,000 lives in Haiti. While quakes in the U.S. have not caused so many casualties, they have been both destructive and deadly. And the potential for future quakes is constant.

In 1811 and 1812, at least three powerful quakes struck near New Madrid, Missouri, the worst of which was estimated to be greater than a magnitude 8.0, and caused severe, damaging shaking. If this were to happen today, the destruction would be significant, as the region is much more populated; deaths would likely number in the thousands.

In 1868, the Hayward fault near California's Bay Area caused a magnitude 7.0 quake that offset the ground laterally more than six feet in places and resulted in 30 deaths. The Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 also struck the Bay Area, killing 3,000 people. If a similar quake were to strike in the same region today, the destruction could reach Hurricane Katrina-like proportions, resulting in deaths, homelessness, and sever economic losses.

And the Virginia quake of this August reminded us all that parts of the Eastern Seaboard confront a high risk for earthquake damage and death that is comparable to cities on the West Coast.

Getting Ready for the Big One

According to FEMA, there are steps everyone can take to increase the chance of survival and lessen the potential for structural damage should an earthquake occur. Here are six ways to plan ahead:

1. Check for Hazards in the Home This entails repairing faulty electrical wiring and leaky gas connections, securing the water heater by strapping and bolting, and repairing deep cracks in ceilings and foundations.
2. Identify Safe Places Inside & Out A safe place may be any of the following: under a piece of sturdy furniture, against an inside wall, away from glass or heavy furniture that can tip over, or outside away from buildings, trees, telephone lines, and other structures.
3. Educate Yourself and Your Family Instruct family members about how to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1. Use your local Red Cross as a resource for educational programs and materials.
4. Have Disaster Supplies On Hand These include emergency food and water, cash and credit cards, and necessary medicines.
5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan Develop a plan for reuniting with family members in case you are separated during an earthquake.
6. Help Your Community Prepare Publish a special section on earthquake preparedness in the local paper, and interview representatives of utility companies about safely shutting off utilities.

Talk to your Florida insurance agent today about insuring your property against damage caused by earthquakes.