Earthquake Preparation

What did the ground say to the earthquake? 
You crack me up.

Road damage caused by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Anchorage, Alaska on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018.
AP Photo provided by Mike Dinneen. Click here to read more.

Alaska was recently rattled by some major earthquakes. Many people think that earthquakes are only a West Coast problem, but they can occur in nearly every state in the U.S. There's a reason why children have required drills in school! While there are some areas more prone to higher magnitude quakes, it's still important to know how to prepare if the unpredictable were to happen to you. Here are some helpful tips to keep you, your family, and your belongings safe in the case of an earthquake.

Before an Earthquake

• Anchor heavy furniture (such as bookshelves, dressers, filing cabinets) to walls.
• Use straps or safety cables to anchor water heaters and appliances to walls.
• Make sure that items hanging from the ceiling are secure to the building structure.
• Add steel plates or anchor bolts between your home structure and foundation.
• Brace un-reinforced concrete walls, chimneys, masonry, and foundation.
• Stay informed about your communities risk and response plan.
• Establish an emergency plan with your family.
• Practice drop, cover, and hold on in safe places identified around your home. A safe place could be under sturdy furniture or against an interior wall away from windows or tall furniture that could fall.

During an Earthquake

• As mentioned above - drop, cover, and hold on​!
• Move as little as possible and protect your head and torso.
• If you are already indoors, stay there. Do not exit a home or building until shaking has completely stopped.
• Move away from windows, doors, skylights, heavy furniture, or anything that could topple over.
• If you're outside, quickly move to an open space away from trees, buildings, street lights, and electrical lines.
• If driving, slowly pull your vehicle to the side of the road. Do not stop under bridges, overpasses, roadway signs, or power lines.

After an Earthquake

• Drive cautiously and watch out for cracks or debris on roads. If possible, avoid bridges and ramps that may be unstable due to damage.
• If you are near a cliff or in a mountainous area, be alert for falling rock, toppled trees, or landslides.
• Clean up broken glass and debris immediately to avoid potential injury.
• Board up broken doors and windows.
• Cover a damaged roof with tarp or plywood.
• Set aside damaged items in a safe place to be further inspected later.
• Save receipts if any temporary repairs are made.

Nature is a fickle friend, and home policies exclude earthquake coverage. ALINK Insurance Services is here to help prepare you for when the unexpected hits. Give us a call today at any of our offices below to discuss your insurance questions or needs.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

We are "Your Link to Security!"