Know what to do once the ground stops shaking.
In the aftermath of an earthquake, it’s understandable to feel panicked and hopeless. Buildings may be damaged, people can be hurt, and services can be affected. While many earthquakes are scary themselves, people often forget about the dangers and must-dos once the ground has stopped shaking. These measures can help to keep you and your family safe.
Check Your Property
Earthquakes may cause structural and utility damage to a home. If you think something looks structurally unsafe, evacuate everyone in the building. Once outside, you may need to survey the area for additional hazards and be mindful that aftershocks can cause further damage and more hazards.
Turn on the Radio
Listen out for news in any way that you can. This is important due to the fact you need to be aware of the situation at hand. If there is a tsunami warning or evacuation orders from the government, you need to be kept in the know.
Collect Clean Water
After a disaster, clean drinking water becomes a rare and precious find. If the earthquake has affected water lines, the agency says not to drink the tap water. To keep hydrated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says you can get drinking water from the following sources in your home (but only if it is safe to go inside):
- Melted ice cubes
- Fluids from canned fruits and vegetables
- The water heater faucet
- Water from the tank of the toilet, as long as it’s not chemically treated
Expect Aftershocks
The initial earthquake might seem to be over, but aftershocks can occur at any time afterward, from hours to days to even weeks later. It’s important to remain safe and have a plan in place in case of aftershocks. This is also a reason to get any damaged and dangerous parts of the building taken care of as soon as possible.
Areas in California can suffer from earthquakes. Having an earthquake plan will reassure you that you needn’t stress about future incidents, as you’ll know what to do if they occur. Contact the team at Young Insurance to secure your necessary earthquake insurance in California.
