Earthquake Damage Restoration

Last week, we wrote a blog on Earthquake Preparation giving tips on how to prepare for an earthquake and how to prevent damage to your home and prevent the risk of a fire occurring after an earthquake happens. Unfortunately, earthquakes are a part of our reality. However, we can take measures to protect our families and take measures to limit the risk of damage to our home and our property. Please take note that it is extremely important to have earthquake insurance if you live in a high risk area.

Check for Building Damage

After an earthquake occurs, and you have determined you are safe to move around, there are a number of things you should do immediately regarding assessing your home’s structure for safety. Please be careful as you move around? because building damage can be hard to detect and it can be very dangerous.

• Examine walls, floor, doors, staircases, and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.
• Check for gas leaks. Turn off the gas if your hear a hissing noise or blowing noise and immediately leave the building. Note: You must get a professional to turn the gas back on.
• Look for loose plaster, drywall and ceiling that could fall.
• Look for electrical system damage. If you smell a burning, turn off the electricity. Call an electrician immediately to asses the damage.
• Check for water line or sewage damage. If you suspect damage, contact a plumber and the water company immediately.

Preparation for Restoration

The restoration process can not only take weeks, but months after a earthquake occurs. It can be a long process. That’s why your first steps to prepare for the restoration process are crucial.

• Take pictures of the damage that has occurred to your property and home.
• Contact your insurance agent or company right away to begin your claims process. Keep records of any repair or cleaning costs.
• Contact a professional restoration company such as Alert Disaster Restoration to get the restoration process underway.

Restoring Your Home & Property

An earthquake is unpredictable, just as what will possibly need to be restored after an earthquake. Here are some common things that may need to be restored after an earthquake occurs.

External House Structure

• Foundation
• Outdoor steps or porches
• Cracks in external walls
• Mortars separated from the blocks
• Sink holes or divots
• Chimneys and fireplaces

Interior House Structure

• Doors and windows
• Window & door frames
• Leaking roof
• Cracks in walls
• Built-in fixtures: lights, cupboards and bookcases, etc.
• Plumbing pipes

Note from FEMA:

?Earthquake damages can be subtle. If not fixed in time, cracks between the walls can allow water to leak in and cause serious problems in the future, for example, rotting wood or a problem with mold. A structure that has shifted from its foundation leaves unsupported areas weakened and liable to break away.?

Alert Disaster Restoration is your source for all things restoration. As always, we are alert and ready to help whenever a disaster strikes. Call us at: 1 (877) 435-8117.

For more information on earthquake preparation and restoration, check out: Earthquake Country.