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My Safety Net

You can speed and strengthen your recovery after an earthquake by preparing your own safety net today.

Remember, preparedness is a journey: Do what you can, one step at a time. Each step will help make it easier to get back on your feet again tomorrow.

What actions help create a safety net?

View the video.

Put together an emergency financial first aid kit. By gathering and safely storing copies of your important documents now—such as identification, insurance policies, and medical records—you’ll have quick and easy access to the information you’ll need after an earthquake or other disaster. 

How to build your kit:

Contribute to an emergency savings account. Your recovery expenses may include repairing your home, replacing damaged belongings, and living elsewhere while repairs are made. An emergency savings account can help you cover these costs, and it’s a resource for other disaster situations, too. 

Set aside some emergency cash.

Earthquake damage can disrupt ATMs and digital transactions. If you can, keep some emergency cash handy to pay for immediate expenses, such as food.

Consider purchasing earthquake insurance. Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies don’t pay for earthquake damage unless you specifically add coverage to your policy.

Financial preparedness 2 fb

Learn more about financial preparedness.

Reduce likely damage by making your home safer and sturdier. Do a home hazard hunt to identify contents that should be moved or better secured to prevent damage or injury during an earthquake. If you’re a homeowner, consider whether retrofitting is needed to make your building sturdier and safer during an earthquake.

  • Earthquake Retrofit Grant Programs.

Earthquake Safety

How to Prepare

How prepared are you for an earthquake? When the Earth Shakes Video.

Western U.S. Western Region Earthquake Preparedness Information.

Central & Eastern U.S. CUSEC: Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety.

Ready.gov: Earthquakes.

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