Recent California Earthquakes

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Get Prepared

A Get Prepared for Earthquakes

If you live in earthquake country, you may well be aware of the destruction and violence that a major quake can cause. Earthquakes can destroy thousands of buildings and be violent enough to cause widespread fatalities. It is important to learn how to minimize your risk of damage and injury from earthquakes. Just by taking a few steps of precaution now you can make a drastic difference in your future and protect your family from injury.

Before the Earthquake

  • Once an earthquake hits, it is already too late to protect your home and family. But there are simple ways to prevent future earthquake damage by taking the right steps before the next quake strikes. Visit FEMA’s guide to Earthquake Safety at Home to access helpful guides and tips on how to strengthen your home and secure its contents.
  • Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt - Use this easy to follow visual guide by FEMA to easily identify earthquake hazard risks throughout your home.

During the Earthquake

  • Stay where you are until the shaking stops. Do not run outside. Do not get in a doorway as this does not provide protection from falling or flying objects, and you may not be able to remain standing.
  • Drop down onto your hands and knees so the earthquake doesn’t knock you down. Drop to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!)
  • Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from falling debris.
  • If you are in danger from falling objects, and you can move safely, crawl for additional cover under a sturdy desk or table.
  • If there is low furniture or an interior wall or corner nearby, and the path is clear, these may also provide some additional cover.
  • Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as light fixtures or furniture.

After the Earthquake

  • When the shaking stops, look around. If there is a clear path to safety, leave the building and go to an open space away from damaged areas. If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. If you have a cell phone with you, use it to call or text for help.
  • Be prepared to “Drop, Cover, and Hold on” in the likely event of aftershocks.
  • Whenever it becomes safe to do so, you can report your claim online or contact your agent. Or, contact our claims department at 1 (800) 859-8734.
  • After submission of the claim report, you should continue to protect your family and your property from further damage and prepare for the adjuster’s inspection by:
    • Taking photos of the damaged property
    • Saving the damaged property so it is available for inspection
    • Keeping accurate records of all expenses such as temporary repairs and additional living expenses
    • Preparing an itemized list of all damaged property including the manufacturer, brand name, age, place of purchase and purchase price
    • Visit the Claims Help Center for more information on the claims process.

B Get Prepared for Windstorms & Hurricanes

Windstorms & Hurricanes can be deadly and devastating, but your property damage can be lessened by identifying your home's risks and learning how to strengthen and secure these areas of weakness. Implementing these steps to secure your home can also decrease the risk of injury on your property. Check out the resources below to see how easy it is to be prepared to protect your home and family from windstorms & hurricanes.

Before the Storm

During the Storm

  • First, always ensure the safety of your family, and provide any first aid if necessary.
  • Second, secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors if safe to do so.
  • Listen to the radio or tv for information.
  • Turn off propane tanks, and turn off utilities if instructed to do so.
  • Turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed to prepare for a power outage.
  • Prepare for the possibility of a flood. Move important documents and irreplaceable objects away from the floor level where they are less likely to be damaged. Know how the elevation changes on your property and surrounding area and be prepared to move to higher ground.

After the Storm

  • Whenever it becomes safe to do so, you can report your claim online or contact your agent. Or, contact our claims department at 1 (877) 448-5806.
  • After submission of the claim report, you should continue to protect your family and your property from further damage and prepare for the adjuster’s inspection by:
    • Taking photos of the damaged property
    • Saving the damaged property so it is available for inspection
    • Keeping accurate records of all expenses such as temporary repairs and additional living expenses
    • Preparing an itemized list of all damaged property including the manufacturer, brand name, age, place of purchase and purchase price
  • Visit the Claims Help Center for more information on the claims process.