By Karla Sullivan
The 6.0 earthquake that struck the Napa valley causing widespread damage and injury is a stark reminder that we live in earthquake country and California residents need to prepare for the inevitable by having an emergency plan. This includes adequate supplies to survive the first few days and consider how best to secure their biggest asset—their home—from devastating loss either through retrofitting or purchasing earthquake insurance.
Officials from the department’s consumer services, fraud and investigations enforcement teams are in Napa to assist consumers with any questions or concerns as they begin the insurance claim process and to ensure insurers are providing appropriate assistance for consumers.
“I extend my sincere concern and sympathy for those who experienced injury or are dealing with damage to their homes and personal property caused by the Napa quake,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. “Mother nature has given us numerous warnings to prepare for earthquakes, which we all know can strike anytime. This reality was underscored by Sunday’s temblor. Californians must stop to take some very simple, but very effective precautionary steps before the next quake strikes.”
To find important information about preparing for a disaster, please visit the web site of the California Department of Insurance or call our toll-free consumer hotline at 1-800-927-HELP.
Earthquake preparedness includes the following from the California Department of Insurance
• Review your insurance policies at least once each year to ensure that they provide adequate coverage.
• Consider purchasing an earthquake policy if your home is in an earthquake-prone area, and is more susceptible to earthquake damage such as older or multi-story homes, or homes on soft soil or a slope.
• Take measures to retrofit your home to increase your safety during an earthquake.
• Bolting your home’s wood frame to the foundation can prevent damage resulting from the structure sliding off its foundation. And for houses on raised foundations, the bracing of “cripple walls” can also reduce damage from earthquakes.
• Brace your water heater to minimize the risks of fire and water damage caused by water heaters that topple during earthquakes.
• Mobile home owners should use earthquake-bracing systems to reduce the chance of damage from homes slipping off support jacks.
• Fasten cupboard doors with child-proof latches to prevent them from opening and spilling their contents.
• Fasten bookcases, mirrors, televisions and other tall or heavy objects to wall studs.
• Gas appliances should have flexible attachments, and family members should be familiar with gas shut-off techniques.
In Oklahoma, Gov. Mary Fallin and Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak recently worked together to ensure that Oklahoma consumers receive the most accurate information possible when acquiring earthquake insurance. Gov. Fallin approved an emergency rule adopted by Commissioner Doak to require all licensed producers and adjusters with the property line of authority to complete one hour of continuing education on the topic of earthquake insurance every two years.
“This emergency rule will ensure insurance agents in our state stay up-to-date on earthquake information,” said Fallin. “It’s important as the market for earthquake insurance expands in Oklahoma that residents get reliable and accurate information from insurance agents to help them consider whether they need this additional coverage.”
“Working with Governor Fallin to approve this rule is an important step for consumers who are seeking clarification on the benefits of earthquake coverage,” said Doak. “The Oklahoma Insurance Department works hard to ensure that consumers across the state receive clear and accurate information from their agents regarding all types of insurance.”
The earthquake insurance continuing education requirement goes into effect Jan. 1, 2015.
