Earthquake Preparation - Article

[opihikao]

This is a good time to be reminded about our propensity for earthquakes. Here is a good article for information purposes:

http://www.civilbeat.com/2014/08/odds-ar...f07224cd53

(*Snipped - More at link)


Based on historical data, experts say there is a high probability of a far more destructive earthquake rocking Hawaii — probably the Big Island — within the next decade.

“If you want to flip a coin and not prepare for the next 10 years, you’ve got a 50-50 chance of being right,” said Wes Thelen, a U.S. Geological Survey seismologist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

“It’s certainly coming,” he said. “There’s no doubt about it.”

Pinpointing when and where, though, is a lot harder. There’s no way (yet) to forecast an earthquake beyond best guesses based on statistical evidence.

Scientists can, however, say with a great deal of confidence that the Big Island is by far the most likely place in Hawaii for the next major earthquake to hit.


Personally, earthquakes scare the hell out of me much more than the lava, and other natural disasters because we never get any warning.
Heart goes to the throat in less than a New York second.

JMO.

[Tink]

Diagonal bracing, or plywood shear panels (min 4 ft) at corners of home will help prevent full collapse as in the photo. Secure your water heater if you haven't done so with heavy gauge plumbers tape( the metal stuff with holes in it) 1/3 spacing, give clearance for movement around the control module, large propane cylinders as well, use chain and hook for easy change out. If you have large, or tall pieces of furniture, use eye bolts screwed into the studs behind the furniture, and use a gate latch type hook screwed into the back side of the furniture framing and secure to eye to prevent tipping. Use little bits of modeling clay to secure stuff to the shelves, like grandmas crystal vase. Do not display your heirloom china in a hutch, it will shake out of the hutch and bring you to tears.
Aforementioned water heater is a good emergency source for water if the quake destroys your catchment tank, providing you braced it properly. Once you get over the thought, the toilet tank is clean water ready for boiling and using as well, or keep a cup nearby to use as "flushing water" , and tape off the flush handle so it lasts a while. After the quake is done, if you smell propane, shut everything down until all your piping has been inspected and repaired, obviously. Inspection is shut all valves, install 30 pound air gauge at tank side, pressurize to 10 psi. If pressure drops in 15 minutes, follow piping and use soapy water to check piping at fittings for leaks to determine amount of repairs. Of course if you don't have a gauge available, skip that part, pressurize and soapy water check.
Last of all, once you have inspected your home and the ohana is somewhat settled down, check on your neighboring kupuna to see that they are safe or need help.

Community begins with Aloha

[terracore]

Does anybody have experience with earthquake insurance?

[steve1]

A few years back I asked an agent for our insurance company what it would cost to add earthquake insurance. If I recall correctly it was 2-3 times the cost of our home/ fire/ theft insurance, and our hurricane insurance is already twice the cost of our home/ fire/ theft insurance (which is about half the cost of our 2 car auto insurance). The auto insurance is maybe 25% the cost of our health insurance, not including co-pays, so for any math whizzes out there what percentage of our annual salaries go to paying for insurance?