Tag Archives: earthquake

Nature’s Wrath – Are You Prepared for Damage from a Natural Disaster

Posted on July 16, 2012 | Leave a comment

You’ve probably seen TV footage showing the aftermath of natural disasters: trees tossed through roofs by windstorms, homes burned to the ground by wildfire, living rooms underwater after a flood. First you feel sympathy, then concern. What if something like that happened to you? Would your homeowners insurance policy cover the damage?

What is the value of your home when a disaster hits?  Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your value questions

The answer is . . . maybe. Insurance coverage for damage caused by such events varies widely, depending on where you live and what kind of coverage you’ve purchased. For example, your aunt who lives five minutes away might live in a flood zone and be required to carry flood insurance, but you might not.

The best way to determine what coverage you have—and need—is to talk with your insurance agent. To help you start that conversation, here’s a guide to typical disaster-related insurance coverage.

Fire
Nearly all homeowners policies cover fire damage, whether caused by a lightning strike, kitchen fire, or wildfire. However, some cover the entire cost to rebuild your home to current standards regardless of the rebuilding cost, and others cover only up to a specific limit. If you’ve built an addition or remodeled since your policy was originally purchased, ask your agent to make sure you have adequate coverage to rebuild. Also, ask about loss-of-use coverage, which would help pay for additional living expenses while your home is being rebuilt or repaired.

Flood
If you live in a flood-prone area, your mortgage lender probably requires you to carry flood insurance. Most home insurance carriers, including the Auto Club’s insurance affiliate, do not write flood insurance.

Instead, you must buy coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which works with private insurers that sell and administer the flood policies for the NFIP in participating cities and counties. NFIP insurance covers damage to your home and its contents only in specific situations—when inland waters overflow, for example. More information is available from the National Flood Insurance Program website.

read more at: http://www.calif.aaa.com/westways/2012/07-08/Pages/natures-wrath-homeowners-insurance.aspx

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

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What You Should Have In Your Emergency Kit

Posted on August 27, 2011 | 1 comment

 

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit

Or go to:  http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/checklist.pdf

  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days,for drinking and sanitation
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone and chargers

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit

  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
  • Cash or traveler’s checks and change
  • Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
  • Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper– When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

  •  Fire Extinguisher

  • Matches in a waterproof container

  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels

  • Paper and pencil Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

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Earthquake Retrofitting – Making Your Home Safer

Posted on August 26, 2011 | 1 comment

What is Retrofitting?:

1. To modify equipment that is already in service using parts developed or made available after the time of original manufacture. 

2. To install, fit or adapt a device or system for use with something older.

Earthquake retrofitting’s main purpose  is to make the building safer and less prone to major structural damage during an earthquake.  Existing homes should be retrofitted because our understanding of the effects of earthquakes as well as construction techniques have improved after the homes were built.

Type of work done during a retrofitting:  Foundation bolting, cripple wall bracing, foundation hold-down brackets, angle iron struts and foundation bolting, and soft story situations. 

Read more about the type of work done to homes at: http://www.earthquakesafety.com/retrofitting/seismic_retrofitting.html

To determine if earthquake retrofitting adds value to your home  you need an appraiser that specializes in building analysis.  Contact the appraisers at www.socalappraisalserv.com; they have appraisers that are certified by The Building Performance Institute.

Some states offer tax rebates for earthquake retrofitting and ask your expert about available programs in your town.

See if your home is in an earthquake hazard zone at: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/index.shtm

Also check with your home insurance company as they may have discounts for homes that have been earthquake retrofitted.

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