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Officials also warned Illinoisans to be wary of people offering to
repair earthquake damage, write earthquake insurance policies or
insist that they can get paid by an insurance company for repair
costs. Because earthquakes are so rare in the Midwest, most home and
business owners have historically declined to purchase earthquake
insurance, which is offered as separate coverage at additional
costs. If a homeowner does not have earthquake insurance, damage
caused by the earthquake may not be covered. "Earthquakes
certainly are not common here in Illinois, and so it is
understandable that people may be concerned about feeling vibrations
in the hours and days ahead. We want to make sure people understand
what is taking place and how to prepare for aftershocks as much as
they can," said Blagojevich. "We also want people to be very wary of
those offering to repair damage or write insurance policies
following the earthquake. Unfortunately, there can be people who try
to capitalize on events like this."
There are things homeowners can do to protect their property and
make sure any damage is repaired by reputable contractors. After an
earthquake or other natural disaster, families and business owners
should take additional care when hiring a contractor to repair any
damage:
-
Hire a local
contractor. Deal only with established firms or individuals who
can provide references and are willing to give you a signed
contract.
-
Check with your
local building code department or the Better Business Bureau for
guidance.
-
Don't rush into
signing a contract. Collect a number of estimates for the job.
-
Obtain written estimates before repairs
begin.
Homeowners who have earthquake insurance should notify their
insurance company immediately if they suspect they have earthquake
damage. The company will assign a representative to evaluate the
damage and will work with the owner to determine when and how
reimbursements for repairs will be made. Since all insurance
contracts are not the same, homeowners should work directly with
their insurance agent to review their policies and coverage.
Most homeowners insurance companies in Illinois offer earthquake
insurance. Homeowners may want to talk with their insurance agents
about whether it makes sense to purchase additional coverage for all
potential dangers. Additionally, homeowners with insurance questions
may contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional
Regulation Insurance Hotline at 866-445-5364.
Illinois could experience many smaller seismic events at any time
over the next several days; however, most will not be felt by the
majority of the state. Scientists from the Illinois State Geological
Survey are coordinating with staff from Indiana University, Purdue
University and the University of Memphis, where the Center for
Earthquake Research and Information is located. Scientists are in
Illinois to measure the smaller seismic aftershocks.
What are aftershocks?
Aftershocks are additional earthquakes that occur after the main
shock and in the same geographic area. Usually, aftershocks are
smaller than the main shock, but occasionally an aftershock may be
strong enough to be felt widely throughout the area and may cause
additional damage, particularly to structures already weakened in
the main shock. Aftershocks are most common immediately after the
main shock and are most likely to be felt in the first few days
after the main shock.
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What to do during an earthquake or aftershock:
-
Stay calm and
expect earthquakes or aftershocks to last for a few seconds up
to a few minutes.
-
If you are inside
a building or other solid structure, stay there until the event
is over.
-
Duck or drop down
to the floor
-
Take cover under a
sturdy desk, table or other furniture.
-
Avoid danger spots
near windows, hanging objects, mirrors or taller furniture
-
When driving, stop safely as soon as
possible. Stay in the vehicle until shaking stops. Do not stop
vehicles under overpasses or on bridges.
What to do after an earthquake or aftershock:
-
Check for injuries
and render first aid.
-
Avoid other
hazards such as fire and chemical spills.
-
Check utilities
such as gas, water and electricity. If safe, shut utilities off
at the source.
-
Do not use
matches, candles and lighters inside.
-
Turn on a battery-powered radio and
listen for public safety information broadcasts.
General preparedness
Personal preparedness is important for any type of emergency,
including earthquakes. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency
recommends that people throughout Illinois maintain a disaster
supply kit with essentials, such as:
-
Water -- at least
1 gallon per day per person (minimum of three-day supply).
-
Food -- a
three-day supply of nonperishable foods.
-
Flashlight and
extra batteries.
-
Battery-operated
radio and extra batteries.
-
First-aid kit.
-
Prescription and
nonprescription medications.
-
Items for children, the elderly and
special-needs individuals.
Additional preparedness information, along with updates on the
earthquake, is available on the Ready Illinois site at
www.ready.illinois.gov.
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
Earthquake
Awareness and Preparedness Guide
[To download Adobe Acrobat Reader for
the PDF file, click
here.] |
