California Department of Insurance & Earthquake Preparedness Gives Full Warning

Denise Sarah | February 2, 2011

Looking at this article, I remembered something funny that happened to me in the past—for a short time in my life; I wanted to attend CSU Northridge. My mother’s response was, “NO! THERE’S EARTHQUAKES THERE! DO YOU WANT TO DIE!?” I was alarmed at her response and thought she had gone crazier than ever. I wondered why she had said that for quite some time now.

Reading on, I discovered that 1994, my mother’s first year living in America, was the year of the Northridge Earthquake. It had a magnitude of 6.7 with damages costing up to $15 billion dollars. The devastating thing is that almost 90% of homeowners at the time DID NOT HAVE EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE. This was my reaction:

Let me just say this: If you live in California, (also known as Earthquake Country, also known as THE FIRST STATE TO COLLAPSE IN COLUMBIA PICTURES’ MOVIE, “2012”) It may be a good idea to invest in California Earthquake Insurance. On January 17, the 17^th anniversary of this devastating earthquake, Commissioner Dave Jones prompted us to get some California earthquake insurance:

“let us be reminded that we live in a region of the country that is constantly in flux…While it was certainly a tragic event that impacted many Californians', we must be even more prepared for the next big earthquake that scientists say may come at any time."

Oh, look! Los Angeles!Now that's what I call, "Product Placement."

No matter if you believe in the Mayans or Commissioner Dave Jones, here are some tips for Earthquake preparedness (according to insurance.ca.gov):

• Review your insurance policies at least once each year with your agent or broker to ensure that they provide adequate coverage.
• Consider purchasing an earthquake policy if your home is in an earthquake-prone area, doesn't meet current building standards, or is built upon unstable ground.
• Take measures to retrofit your home to increase your safety during an earthquake.
• Brace your water heater to minimize the risks of fire and water damage caused by water heaters that topple during earthquakes.
• Bolting your home's wood frame to its foundation can prevent damage resulting from the structure sliding off its foundation. And for houses on raised foundations, the bracing of "cripple walls" can also reduce damage from earthquakes.
• Mobile home owners should use earthquake-bracing systems to reduce the chance of damage from homes slipping off support jacks.
• Fasten cupboard doors with child-proof latches to prevent them from opening and spilling their contents.
• Fasten bookcases, mirrors, televisions and other tall or heavy objects to wall studs.
• Gas appliances should have flexible attachments, and family members should be familiar with gas shut-off techniques.