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The recent earthquakes highlight the need for disaster planning

 


According to the latest FEMA data, total earthquake losses in the U.S. are around $ 6.1 billion annually. (Photo: Shutterstock)

During the first three months of 2020, the continental United States experienced five earthquakes of magnitude 5 or more, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This includes a 5.7-magnitude earthquake outside Salt Lake City on March 18, and after 13 days, a 6.5-magnitude earthquake 80 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho.

At a magnitude of 6.5, the Idaho earthquake was the first rated “Strong” by the USGS, and rocked six times the earthquake near Salt Lake City. Fortunately, there were no reports of damage or serious injury because it was centered in a densely populated area, but the earthquake was the strongest to hit Idaho since 1983.

It comes in the midst of a COVID-19 outbreak, which has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and caused a sudden and large disruption in the way we work and our lives, and these earthquakes, especially the strong Idaho event, are an important reminder that natural disasters are a constant threat that we must be prepared for at all times.

For insurance agents and brokers, this is a good time to contact clients by reminding them of disaster response plans for their families. Given the economic impact of the epidemic on many families, this may be the perfect moment to help them realize the need to cover earthquakes in many parts of the country. Marketing insurance products aside, communication about the importance of disaster plans can help maintain customer safety and build goodwill in society.

Disaster planning

When communicating with clients, discuss both the importance of disaster planning and at least some details of what is essential. It is important to remind them that earthquakes and other natural disasters can occur without warning and result in serious injuries, loss of life and property damage. Earthquakes, for example, destroy buildings and roads, overthrow bridges and cause fires, explosions, tsunamis, landslides and avalanches.

With this in mind, a disaster plan must have several important components. For earthquakes, they should include steps to follow in the event of an earthquake, focusing on the “drop, cover, and wait” protocol. People need specific instructions for different locations: home, car, or outdoors.

People in earthquake-prone areas can also protect themselves and their belongings by securing heavy items in their homes such as bookcases, refrigerators, televisions and anything hanging on the wall. This not only protects family members from heavy things falling on them, but also reduces property damage. In addition, those with natural gas must know how to quickly close gas lines to a home to prevent an explosion and fire. Often times, home and small business owners do not have the unique key / switch required to turn off the gas at the meter; it’s time to make this purchase.

After that, people should prepare and maintain the emergency kit with supplies for 72 hours. These “72-hour groups” must contain food, water, additional shoes and clothing, blankets, lamps, batteries, fire extinguisher, cell phone chargers, and sirens. Consider each person’s special needs, including medications, and include family pet food. These groups should be kept close to your specific exit and should be updated annually or at least every two years.

Finally, families can prepare an emergency communication plan and make it available to everyone, whether they are at home or not. This plan should contain contact information, emergency hotlines, and a call outside the country that everyone uses to communicate with their loved ones after the event. It is also very important to specify a location where you will meet if it is separate.

When communicating with customers, agents, and brokers, they can find user-friendly resources on the gov Homeland Security-ready website.

perfect time

Besides the tragic loss of life and economic turmoil, the current epidemic may have increased Americans’ awareness of the need to plan for the unexpected. It certainly seems a good time to contact customers about disaster planning in the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster.

Long after the establishment of the COVID-19 vaccine and treatment, earthquakes, forest fires, hurricanes, floods, hurricanes and landslides will remain with us. Agents and brokers should ensure their clients are prepared.

Craig Poulton is the CEO of Poulton Associates, based in Salt Lake City, which manages several disaster-related insurance products, including the nation’s largest flood insurance program, the Natural Disaster Insurance Program at CATcoverage.com. Follow him on Twitternciptweets. The opinions expressed here are those of the author.

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