Protecting Lifestyles

Protect Your Assets And Income
From Disasters And Lawsuits!

Request a Quote
HomeResearch CenterDisaster Preparedness CenterEarthquake Disaster Preparedness

Earthquake Disaster Preparedness

Earthquake Disaster PreparednessDo you remember August of 2011? (Check out our Blog for that week here)  It was about 1:45 on a late August afternoon, school had just gone back in session for some students across Maryland that day. Then all of a sudden the ground began to shake. Desks began move, and children and their teachers ran out of the buildings as well as everyone else on that day as well. Some areas didn’t feel it. But personally, I felt it, and I was scared to death. Never in my life had I experienced an earthquake before and let me tell you it was scary. I’m sure you remember where you were at the time of the earthquake that day.  How did you feel right as it happened? I’m sure not to comfortable.  We’re you thinking of your home at the time?  Probably not.  Hopefully you were worried about contacting your family and making sure they were okay.  Many homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed on that day and according to scientists, it was a decent size quake. But, there have been much larger ones recorded and earthquakes can do way more damage. If we were to have a larger earthquake, would your property make it unharmed?

Scientists have reported an increase in plate activity in North America and the worst is probably yet to come.

Now what if we have an earthquake but it does not occur on land, but it occurs in the Atlantic Ocean? What if there is a tsunami coming right up the Chesapeake Bay? Would you be covered then as well? For more information on a tsunami go to our Tsunami Disaster Preparedness page.

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE

  • Prepare an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. (Click Here)
  • Fasten shelves securely and place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
  • Breakable items should be stored in low, closed cabinets with a latch.
  • Heavy wall items should be attached securely and away from beds, couches, or anywhere people might be underneath.
  • Brace overhead light fixtures and top-heavy lamps.
  • Have defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections repaired by a qualified professional.
  • Secure water heater, refrigerator, furnace and gas appliances with strapping or bolting. If recommended by your gas company, have an automatic vibration shut-off valve installed.
  • Keep cracks in ceiling or foundation repaired and check often for structural defects.
  • Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products on bottom shelves in closed cabinets with a latch.
  • Locate safest spot in each room under a sturdy table or against inside wall. No doorways.
  • Hold family earthquake drills: Drop, cover and hold on.

LIVE WEATHER UPDATES HERE
OR CLICK THE LINKS LOCATED IN THE MAP ABOVE FOR LIVE UPDATES

Earthquakes are scary to think about. I know they don’t occur in Maryland very often but they have happened here. You experienced one first hand not too long ago. Earthquake’s can do serious damage and if scientists are correct and plate activity does continue, we could be looking at more and more stronger earthquakes in Maryland. You can’t control or predict what an earthquake will do or when it will strike. All you can do is be prepared at all times and know that your insurance company has you covered.

If you have any concerns, give us a call today at 410-647-1111. We’re looking out for you, so you don’t have to worry about tomorrow.