An earthquake can be devastating for your business, home, and family's safety. The aftermath can be just as chaotic, especially if there is leftover storm damage that you're not sure how to deal with. Finding the right insurance provider beforehand and the best contractor to work with after are just some of the major steps to take in lessening the blow. Knowing what to do may save you some money and give you some much-needed peace of mind.
1. Securing your home
The most important step to take before an earthquake is assuring you and your family's safety by securing fixtures, objects, appliances, and furniture in your home.
- To start, you move heavy objects from high shelves lower. This includes large books on top of bookshelves or sturdy vases on hutches. It may be hard to get this all finished in one weekend, so taking some time to do all of this properly can make a real difference when disaster strikes.
- Next, you will want to secure heavier appliances and furniture. It is best to start with the low-cost tasks first, this would include installing latches on cabinets as well as securing heavy furniture and appliances to wall studs.
- After freestanding objects and heavier appliances are fastened, it is time to worry about bigger budget items, such as securing gas lines, overhead light fixtures, fireplace inserts, and free-standing wood stoves. If you're not savvy enough to perform these updates yourself, the pre-screened HomePro Match contractors are here to help.
2. Finding an insurance provider
Even if your home is located in an area known for earthquakes, there is no way to anticipate how much damage your home will sustain if seismic activity occurs. What you can do is beware of the cost of repairs and take steps to save as much money as possible.
If you live in an area that is known for frequent earthquakes, it may be more affordable to invest in earthquake insurance before tragedy strikes. But earthquake insurance is very costly and may not be an option for everyone.
According to Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders who was featured in a Los Angelos Times column titled, 'Earthquake insurance: Is it worth it,' coverage is definitely worth the money if you own your home. But if the bank owns it, adding insurance may be too expensive. Although, in a total loss, your credit score could be impacted if you don't have enough money to rebuild without coverage.
In the event of an earthquake, your provider would cover:
- Damage repairs
- Loss of appliances & other personal belongings
- Living expenses
An alternative to earthquake coverage could be adding it to your current homeowners' or renters' insurance. But, it's important to keep in mind that, while most of these policies cover disasters like fires or theft, earthquakes usually aren't. Be sure to check with your insurance provider in order to be absolutely sure about your coverage.
3. Filing a claim
If your home has sustained damage after an earthquake, you should notify your insurance provider of those issues in writing and disclose that you will be filing a claim.
If your home is covered, your insurance provider will send a consultant to assess the damage. If the consultant says the damages do not exceed your deductible, make sure to get a second opinion.
Before filing a final proof of loss, you should be absolutely sure of your policy's coverage, the extent of the damage, and the coverage needed.
4. Finding a disaster restoration contractor
After an earthquake, questions about what to do next can be overwhelming. What repairs should be handled first? Are there any safety precautions you should be aware of? What appliances or fixtures should be repaired and which should be thrown away? Your home could have roof damage, plumbing failures, or it may be a total loss. How can you identify these issues?
This is why you'll want to find a reliable disaster restoration contractor who can quickly and expertly identify areas of concerns as well as perform the necessary repairs. Their service should include:
- A quick response
- Expert & attentive assistance
- Cooperation with your insurance provider
- Temporary repairs, such as tarp & board-up services
- Permanent repairs
- Toxic waste & mold removal
- Wind damage repairs
- Carpet cleaning
- Drying & dehumidification
- Foundation repairs
- Appliance repair & replacement
- And more
Save money & stress with the right disaster restoration contractor
Don't let an earthquake destroy your home and your peace of mind. Take the necessary steps before and after to assure the structural integrity of your home and the safety of your family.
Luckily, HomePro Match can recommend local disaster restoration professionals who can provide these services and more.