Triple-I: Oct. 20 ShakeOut to Offer Quake Preparedness Lessons

Millions of people worldwide will participate in International ShakeOut Day on Thursday, Oct. 20, an annual initiative which raises awareness about earthquake preparedness, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

‘The Great California ShakeOut is coordinated by the Southern California Earthquake Center and the Earthquake Country Alliance,’ said Janet Ruiz, Director, Strategic Communications, Triple-I. ‘To take part, individuals and organizations should register online at ShakeOut.org. Once registered, participants receive information on how to become better prepared for earthquakes.’

Held every third Thursday in October, the ShakeOut is free and open to the public. Participants traditionally include individuals, schools, businesses, and governmental agencies.

California’s Santa Monica College Student Services Mall, 1900 S. Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, and Fruitvale Transit Village, 3301 E. 12th Street, Oakland, will be the site tomorrow (Oct. 20) of ShakeOut events. Both will feature guest speakers, earthquake preparedness experts and, at 10:20 a.m., PT, a drill which focuses on the three steps people should take when an earthquake starts.

Drop where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down by shaking and reduces your chance of being hit by falling or flying objects

Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter

Hold on until the shaking stops

The Earthquake Country Alliance offers additional steps people can take before and after an earthquake.

Standard condominium, homeowners, mobile home, and renters insurance policies do not cover earthquake-caused property damage. Earthquake coverage for residences is available in the form of a separate policy or an endorsement from most private insurers and, in California, from the California Earthquake Authority (CEA).

A standard homeowners insurance policy will, however, generally cover losses from a fire following an earthquake and, if such a fire makes your home unlivable, cover the additional living expenses incurred while you live elsewhere during repairs.

Businesses also must purchase a separate commercial earthquake insurance policy for their properties to be covered for earthquake-caused damage and for any lost income due to a quake. Cars are covered for earthquake-caused damage under the optional comprehensive part of an auto insurance policy.