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Preparing now critical
to surviving future quakes
SEATTLE – Broken windows, cracked
walls and damaged valuables may just be enough to persuade many
homeowners to purchase earthquake insurance and protect themselves
and property for the next potential quake.
Standard homeowners insurance policies
normally do not cover earthquake damage. A separate earthquake
insurance policy or endorsement is needed. Most insurance companies
will not issue Earthquake Insurance policies during or immediately
after an earthquake.
The Northwest region sits on and around
many unstable seismic fault lines that can spell disaster for homeowners
and businesses.
“Earthquakes can be very destructive,”
said Karl Newman, executive director of the NW Insurance Council.
“With the right advance preparations, you can do a lot to reduce
or eliminate damage to your home and belongings.”
The NW Insurance Council offers these tips
for homeowners and renters to help protect their homes and save
their families lives next time things begin to shake:
Gather
and store emergency water, non-perishable food and first aid supplies.
- Know where and how to shut off electricity, gas and water at
main switches and valves. Check with your local utilities offices
for instructions.
- Be sure to have a flashlight and a battery-powered radio on
hand in case power is cut off.
- Place large and heavy objects on lower shelves. Securely fasten
shelves to walls. Brace or anchor high or top-heavy objects.
- Deep plaster cracks in walls should be investigated. Such cracks,
especially on ceilings, could result in large pieces of heavy
plaster falling and causing injury.
- Sketch a floor plan of your home and identify safe places to
seek out during an earthquake.
Call your company or agent to find out
how to obtain earthquake insurance. For free a brochure on how
to protect yourself and property from an earthquake, contact the
NW Insurance Council at (206) 624-3330.
The NW Insurance Council is a nonprofit,
consumer education organization funded by member insurance companies.
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