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Earthquakes aren’t very common in Australia, but it doesn't mean we can be complacent. Read on to learn more about how you can prepare your home for one.
Earthquakes aren’t very common in Australia. In fact, it’s been almost 27 years since the 5.6-magnitude earthquake that hit Newcastle, New South Wales.
This may not seem as catastrophic as other quake disasters — especially when you compare it with other countries that usually experience a magnitude eight or nine — but a lot of people were killed and injured during this incident. There were also thousands of buildings, including homes, that were damaged or demolished.
If a natural disaster of this magnitude happens again, do you think that you’re prepared for the aftermath?
According to a survey of more than 3,000 Australians, only 23.85% have a disaster plan in place in case of an earthquake. Meanwhile, a whopping 76.15% said that they don’t have any plans that can prepare themselves for coping with this kind of emergency.
Whether you’re just starting to build a new home or trying to keep your property in good shape, it would definitely help if you take note of these things. Taking simple precautions could mean a saved life, so you should seriously consider them.
1. Focus on Building Drift
The earthquake itself is not the main cause of a building’s destruction. What happens during a quake is that gravity takes over and the building gets displaced laterally or horizontally. Because of this, the walls and columns are unable to tolerate the drifts, resulting in the collapse of the building.
Ask your building contractor about how you can quake-proof your home or building. The kind of technology needed for this will amp up your building cost, but it will definitely be worth it in the long run.
2. Use Flexible Gas and Plumbing Fittings
Fittings can easily be damaged during an earthquake. However, you can opt to use flexible gas and plumbing fittings in your home. This type of fittings can prevent breaks and leakages during a quake as they allow extra movement.
Consult with your licensed local plumber or a professional gas fitter to know what will work best on your property.
3. Secure Your Hot Water Cylinder
Water supply can be stopped for a while after an earthquake — but don’t worry, your hot water cylinder can be your source of emergency water supply. Secure your hot water cylinder with wooden blocks and metal straps so that it won’t rock or slide during a quake.
4. Draw Up an Emergency Plan
Don’t forget to involve your family — what will each member do in certain situations? For instance, if you’re somewhere else and you can’t get home, where can you go or what can you do to know that you’re all safe?
Additionally, come up with at least two ways to exit your home if you’re in there during a quake. Make sure that everyone understands and knows what to do.
5. Ensure That Your Insurance Covers Earthquake Damage
Go over your home insurance policy and check if it includes damage caused by earthquakes. Standard home policies typically have this, but it’s best to be sure about the contents of your contract — policies are sometimes limited to cover only fire and theft.
If you’re going to make a claim after a disaster, don’t worry if you do not readily have your insurance documents. Insurance companies have electronic copies, so they can still process your claim.
Don’t take your safety for granted! With a little help from Service Seeking tradies, you can easily make a few simple moves to ensure your family is protected and your home is secured in case of an earthquake especially when you know such a disaster typically comes out of the blue.