This morning a 3.9 magnitude earthquake struck one mile west of San Juan Capistrano and caused a small temblor that was reported to be felt in Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, and Rialto California. Even though this was a smaller earthquake, compared to the devastating ones we have seen recently, it is still a reminder that we should all be prepared and have a plan should one hit California.
photo from insurance.ca.gov
As your California Earthquake Insurance agency, we want you to ask yourself if you and your family are prepared if an earthquake takes place. Do you have a safety procedure in place? Do you have a disaster safety kick ready? Have you obtained California earthquake insurance to protect your house from any damages it may get as a result of the big shake?
If you answered no to any of these questions, and you are interested in becoming more prepared, check out these tips from your California earthquake insurance agent:
1. Create an emergency plan: know where the safe exits are, where you will meet should you be separated, what your children do if they are in school and an earthquake occurs, pick safe places in your room and practice your plan.
2. Make sure your home is earthquake secure: keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes for easy access, bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to wall studs, hang heavy items like pictures or mirrors away from beds and couches, brace overhead light fixtures, and make sure all bookshelves and tv stands are secure.
3. Make sure you know how to shut off the gas valves in your home.
4. Make an emergency kit: this should contain essential food, water, and other supplies for at least three days, make sure the kit is in a designated place everyone knows about, walking shoes, flashlight, can opener and other important object you will need. Don’t forget to add a first aid kit, battery powered radio, and a large supply of batteries for the radio and flashlight.
5. Make sure you have California earthquake insurance: there is a common misconception that home insurance covers earthquake damage, but this will need to have its own policy.
Unlike other natural disasters, we can’t predict when an earthquake will strike, which is why it is so important to be prepared. As one of California’s leading independent insurance agencies, John E. Peakes Insurance Agency is able to give you and your family the best earthquake insurance coverage for your specific needs at the best rate possible. Our customers are part of our family, so we want you to be protected and prepared, we are here for you. Whether it be for California earthquake advice or any other questions you may have, our agents are here for you.
