Ric Romero's Earthquake Preparedness Tips
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- ABC7 Consumer Specialist Ric Romero talked to the experts and put together these tips on what to do to prepare your home for an earthquake.
PREPARE
American Red Cross volunteer Lisa Marie Harris knows how to prepare a home for an earthquake. Harris said a big part of being ready is to secure objects that could potentially fall on someone.
VIDEO: How to prepare your home for an earthquake
Bedroom:
- No pictures over bed
- Wardrobe strapped to wall
- Shoes under bed
- Flashlight nearby
Living Room/ Dining Room / Kitchen:
- Picture hooks
- Earthquake putty throughout
- Child proof latches on cabinets
- Ceiling fans bolted with extra-long bolts
- Fire extinguishers
- Earthquake supply kit
Your kit will contain just the essentials. If you need to evacuate, you can just "grab it and go." What to pack
Outside:
- Water heater strapped to studs (Water heater locations vary by home)
- Wrench attached to or near gas meter for easy shut off
- Foundation -- older homes may need to be bolted
ASSESS
Certified home inspector and contractor John Larocca worked tirelessly in the aftermath of the 6.7 magnitude Northridge earthquake 20 years ago.
Following an earthquake, assuming you've notified friends and family of your wellbeing and that your home is safe to enter, Larocca recommends first checking for damage inside.
Use care when moving through the home, avoiding fallen objects and liquid that could cause slips. And then, begin assessing the damage.
VIDEO: How to evaluate your home after an earthquake
Kitchen:
- Stove -- gas leaks or fire?
- Water heater -- gas or water leaks, fire?
- Fire extinguisher accessible
Outside:
- Gas meter
- Electrical panel
- Chimney
INSURANCE
According to the California Earthquake Authority, only 10 percent of homes in California are covered by earthquake insurance.
Most quake policies are available through the CEA, but its CEO, Glenn Pomeroy, said so few are insured because of misconceptions about insurance, especially that a homeowner will have to pay a huge deductible before receiving payment. That's not true.
Calculate the Cost of Earthquake Insurance
Use CEA's insurance calculator to find out what your insurance payment would be. Calculate now
VIDEO: The truth about earthquake insurance
Insurance Facts:
- Homeowner's insurance DOES NOT cover damage
- Deductibles -- high but NOT paid out of pocket
- Possessions -- flexible deductions exist
Pomeroy said the CEA is ready for the next big one, able to pay out $10 billion in claims.
