The recent devastating hurricanes and floods in Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico, and the fires in Northern California are a wake-up call reminding homeowners that in case of a major destruction, it will take time for help to come. Electricity, water, gas and telephones may not be working after a fire, flood, or natural disaster like an earthquake. The police and fire departments are likely to be tied up, so individuals and families should be prepared to rely on themselves for at least one week.
Homeowners can protect their families and reduce the risk of destruction by following the guidelines recommended made by the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors from information provided by the California Department of Conservation and the U.S. Geological Survey. It is best to be prepared for any disaster that may come our way.
Identify Potential Hazards in Your Home and Fix Them
1. Move heavy furniture away from where people sit or sleep. Remove clutter from exit paths. Secure hanging objects, cabinet doors and appliances with safety straps, fasteners and adhesives.
2. Replace rigid gas connections to water heaters and other gas appliances with flexible (corrugated) stainless steel gas connectors. Excess-flow gas-shutoff valves for individual appliances will stop gas flow in case of a catastrophic leak.
3. Move flammable or hazardous materials stored in garages and utility rooms to low areas that are secure.
Be Prepared Before an Earthquake or Any Other Disaster Strikes
1. Create a household disaster kit and place items in a large watertight container that can be easily moved, in an easily accessible location, within easy reach. The disaster kit should hold at least a one-week supply of the following items. Replace perishable items like water, food, medications, and batteries on a yearly basis.
* Drinking water (minimum one gallon per person per day)
* First aid supplies, medications, spare glasses and essential hygiene items, such as soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper
* Emergency lighting-light sticks and/or a working flashlight with extra batteries
* A hand-cranked or battery-operated radio with spare batteries
* Canned and packaged foods, snack foods high in calories and cooking utensils, including a manual can opener
* Warm clothing, sturdy shoes, extra socks, blankets and perhaps even a tent
* Heavy-duty plastic bags for waste and other uses, such as tarps and rain ponchos
* Work gloves and protective goggles
* Comfort items, such as games, crayons, writing materials and teddy bears for children
* Pet food and pet restraints
* Copies of vital documents, such as insurance policies, medical consent forms for dependents, personal identification and a list of emergency contact numbers
* Cash in small bills (ATMs may not work)
* A pipe wrench to turn off gas or water
2. Decide beforehand how and where your family will reunite if separated during a calamity.
3. Discuss fire, flood and earthquake insurance with your agent. Depending on your financial situation and the value of your home, it may be worthwhile.
To learn more about earthquake safety, visit http://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Earthquakes/qh_earthquakes_what.htm, http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/emergency_planning.shtm, or http://earthquake.usgs.gov/prepare/.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.