Recovery Steps For Your Home After An Earthquake

​Earthquakes are one of the most disturbing and troublesome phenomena we all have to deal with at some point. As a homeowner, it's more challenging to deal with the aftershocks. This article will help you know what you need to check in your house after an earthquake.

Make Sure That Everyone is Safe.
Before you stress yourself over possible damages in the house, safety is always a priority. Check everyone, including pets, and make sure that no one got hurt. If needed, call 911 right away. An entire house is no good if one of your family members is in danger. 

Check for Possible Gas Leaks. 
Gas leaks from broken lines can be a huge problem after an earthquake as these could start fires. If you hear or smell any gas leaks, try to turn off your gas valve only if it's safe to do so. If not sure of what to do or how to do it, best to call your gas company. Check your house's venting system for possible leaks of hazardous fumes that could be harmful to the family. 

Inspect Your Home's Electrical System.
Earthquakes can potentially damage the internal electrical system of your house. Look for broken wires or sparks on appliances and check for burning smell. If you find any possible electrical damage, turn off the main fuse box and seek assistance from professionals. If you see any broken lights that may cause fire, make sure to unplug them as well. 

Do a Visual Inspection of the House's Exterior. 
After checking the electrical system, the next best thing to do is a quick visual inspection. Check for obvious damages such as cracks on walls and ceilings. Inspect the flooring as well and check if it was weakened. Even the tiniest cracks, if disregarded, can lead to severe damages eventually. 

Be Ready for Hazards.
Doing a house inspection after an earthquake could still be dangerous, so ensure that your body is appropriately covered. It'd be best to wear sturdy shoes when walking on scattered pieces of wood or broken things. Seek help in lifting heavy debris instead of doing it on your own. 

Conclusion
You'll never know when an earthquake is about to hit your house. Besides learning how to deal with the damage, the key is remaining calm because you know that your home is insured. 

At Cornerstone Insurance Agency, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (888) 661-8831 or Click Here to request a free quote.