Homeowners’ Insurance: Earthquakes

Earthquake Safety Tips:

Unlike weather events, earthquakes strike without warning, sometimes leaving devastation and heartache behind. Usually, earthquakes in the U.S. occur along the West Coast. However, earthquake potential exists in all states. There are a substantial number of earthquakes in Tennessee each year, but many go unnoticed. Although nothing can stop an earthquake, careful preparation and planning can make a difference when it comes to protecting your home and family from the effects of an earthquake.

• At the first sign of an earthquake, drop and take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an inside wall away from objects that may fall on you.

• Sit or stay close to the floor and hold on to furniture legs for balance.

• Use your arm to cover and protect your eyes.

• If there's no sturdy furniture nearby, kneel or sit close to the floor next to a structurally sound interior wall away from windows, shelves, or furniture that could fall, and place your hands on the floor for balance.

• Stay away from doorways; violent motion could cause the doors to slam against your body, crush your fingers, or inflict other serious injuries.

• Do not run outside.

• If outdoors, quickly move into the open, away from electrical lines, trees, and buildings.

• If driving, bring your vehicle to a stop at the side of the road away from traffic.

• Do not stop on or under bridges, near or under power lines, or at road signs.