PREPARING FOR AN EARTHQUAKE

Earthquakes cannot be predicted or prevented. But, there are a number of things you can do to lessen the potential for damage to you or your property if an earthquake strikes. The key to preventing structural damage to your house is to ensure that it does not flex enough to break either its supports or connections, that every connection is well-supported and that the foundation and roof are sturdy and well-maintained.

Before an earthquake occurs:

Review your homeowners insurance coverage's to ensure you have adequate protection. Standard homeowners policies do not cover loss from earthquake; you must purchase a separate earthquake insurance policy. Contact your Liberty Mutual representative for details.

Homeowners policies provide coverage for valuables, up to certain limits. For maximum protection, you should have jewelry, furs, silverware and other valuables appraised, then scheduled separately to your policy. You'll get the broadest coverage possible, with no deductible. Ask your Liberty Mutual representative for more information.

Take an inventory of your personal property. Document this inventory with a videotape and photographs. Store the information, and other important documents, in a safe deposit box. Liberty Mutual offers a brochure which will guide you, room-by-room, through an inventory -- call your local office for a free copy.

Develop a family emergency plan:

• Identify safe places in each room of your house and teach your children where to go.

• Ensure that your children know how to call 9-1-1, police or fire departments.

• Determine a meeting place in case family members are separated.

• Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to serve as a "family contact." After a disaster, anyone not at home should check in with the contact person.

• Know your pets' favorite hiding places so you can find them in an emergency.

Check the structural soundness of your home:

• Check your concrete foundation for cracks, crumbling and decay. You can have an engineer check the soundness of your foundation, especially if it is made of brick, un reinforced concrete block or wood, or has failed in a previous earthquake.

• Bolt down your house. Have a professional bolt the mud sill (where the house attaches to the foundation) to the foundation by using 5/8 x 8 1/2 inch sill bolts.

• If you have living space above your garage, make sure the walls are sheathed in 1/2 inch plywood. This provides added strength to reduce the likelihood of damage in that area during an earthquake.

• Make sure all connection points in your house (such as the connections between floors, and ceilings to rafters) are reinforced with a metal connector.

• Make sure all gas and plumbing lines are supported every four feet; strap them to floor joists or to walls.

• Keep your roof in good condition. Replace loose or broken tiles.

Take these general steps to protect your property from earthquake damage:

• Install flexible connectors for all gas appliances.

• Keep chemicals and flammable products secured in closed cabinets with latches on bottom shelves.

• Store heavy objects low and place breakables in secured spaces.

• Hang heavy items, such as mirrors or pictures, away from beds and couches.

• Securely fasten shelves to walls.

• Brace overhead light fixtures and any electronic equipment, including TVs, VCRs and stereo components.

• Secure your water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.

• Ensure that any built-in appliances, such as dishwashers, are secured to the surrounding cabinets or to the floor, and not simply resting against a trim strip.

Assemble disaster supplies:

• First aid supplies, including sterile gauze pads, scissors, bandages, tweezers, antiseptic spray, latex gloves and a bar of antibacterial soap.

• Prescription and non-prescription medicines, including non-prescription pain relievers, antacid, eye wash, rubbing alcohol, and medicine to induce vomiting in the event of poisoning.

• Battery-operated radio with extra batteries and note indicating what station to turn to for emergency information.

• Flashlight and extra batteries.

• Cash or travelers checks.

• Dry clothes and sturdy shoes for each family member.

• Sleeping bags and a tent.

• Toilet paper and other personal hygiene items.

• Special items required for babies or pets.

Have emergency rations on hand:

• Stock up on bottled water and non-perishable food, such as canned meats, soup, juice and powdered milk.

• Set aside emergency cooking utensils, including a manual can opener, matches, sterno and lightweight cooking pots.

• Store emergency rations of food or beverages in non-breakable containers.

During an earthquake:

If indoors, get under a table, desk or bed; in a corner away from windows; or in a strong doorway. Watch for falling plaster, bricks, light fixtures and other objects. Also, watch out for high bookcases, china cabinets, shelves and other furniture that might slide or topple. Stay away from windows, mirrors and chimneys.

If you are in a high-rise office building, follow internal speaker directions and established evacuation policies. Do not race for exits, as stairways may be broken or jammed with people. Don't use elevators. If no speaker directions are available or confusion reigns, get under a desk for minimum protection.

If you are outside, avoid high buildings, walls, power lines and other objects that may fall. If possible, move to an open area away from all hazards and remain there until the shaking stops.

If you are in an automobile, stop in the safest place available, preferably an open area, but stay in the car.

Following an earthquake:

Check for injuries to your family and to others in the neighborhood. Only move a seriously injured person if he or she is in immediate physical danger.

Check for fires or fire hazards.

Check your utilities:

• Inspect gas, electric, water and sewer lines.

• If you smell gas or see a break in the line:
  • Shut off the main gas valve.
  • Do not use matches, lighters or open-flame appliances.
  • Do not operate electrical switches or appliances.

• Shut off electrical power if there is damage to house wiring.

• Check to see that sewage lines are intact before flushing toilets.

• Report damage to the utility companies and follow their instructions.

• Avoid downed power lines or objects touched by downed wires.

Check the structural integrity of your house:

• Check your chimney for cracks and damage, particularly in the attic and at the roof line. The initial check should be made from a distance. Approach any chimney with caution.

• Check closets and storage shelf areas. Open closet and cupboard doors carefully and watch for falling objects.

Follow these general precautions:

• Immediately clean up spilled medicines, drugs and other potentially harmful materials.

• Do not use your telephone except for emergency calls.

• Turn on radio or television for damage reports and information.

• Wear shoes in all areas near debris or broken glass.

Follow these food precautions:

• Check your freezer. If the power is off, plan meals of foods that will spoil quickly.

• Use outdoor charcoal broilers for emergency cooking.

• Do not eat or drink anything from open containers near shattered glass. Liquids may be strained through a clean handkerchief or cloth if the danger of glass contamination exists.

Be prepared for additional aftershocks. Although these are smaller than the main shock, some may well be large enough to cause additional damage.

Don't go sightseeing, particularly in beach and waterfront areas where seismic sea-waves may strike.

Keep streets clear for emergency vehicles.

Respond for requests for help from police, fire fighting, civil defense and relief organizations, but do not go into damaged areas unless your help has been requested.

Take an inventory of any damaged property or possessions. Do not dispose of any items without the prior approval of your insurance claims adjuster.