Earthquakes - The Increasing Risk in California
Nature can be a cruel mistress. The wet winter we have experienced has
been seen as a blessing – it has refilled the reservoirs and ended the
drought that had affected over 75% of the state. But while the rain has
been welcomed, it has also brought with it an increased risk of
earthquakes. Californians are no strangers to quakes and accept the
tremors in the ground as part of life. But the record amount of rain
over the last few months may have created such a large amount of
pressure in the groundwater system to be a trigger for major disasters.
Frightening Research
A recent study by Durham University says that “"earthquakes are triggered by a tiny additional increment of stress added to a fault already loaded almost to breaking point.” Itgoes on to say that hydrological changes do not need to be either large or sudden to cause changes in the water pressure at geological fault zones. It concludes that "It is thus unsurprising that extreme rainfall events might also encourage earthquakes. A number of instances of this have been flagged by scientists."
California’s History of Natural Disasters
Once again the Governor has had to ask for federal help to combat the flood conditions. That will help the state to cope with the damage. However, such help is always post facto. Help cannot be requested for a disaster that is in the future such as the increased probability of earthquakes due to the flooding. Federal and state relief programs are meant to tide over the immediate aftermath of disasters. They are not insurance against them and do not help in rebuilding lives that have been affected by them. However, as a homeowner you can get the flood and earthquake insurance you need to protect your family and your future.
Studies show that the majority of Californians are under-insured when it comes to protection from natural disasters. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may look good on paper and the coverage may seem to be adequate to protect your home, but does it cover flood and earthquakes? A major flooding incident or a massive earthquake could not just damage your home, it could destroy it along with all its contents. Recovering from that kind of loss requires a huge amount of resources. It is not just a matter of rebuilding the house and replacing everything in it. You will need a roof over your head during the months or more that it could take to move back home. Your living expenses will increase during this time. Are you sure your homeowner’s coverage will compensate you for all of this? You cannot hope that you are covered – you must be sure. The best way to do that is by contacting an insurance broker to help you review your existing coverage and supplement it with flood and earthquake insurance to give your family the protection it needs. Paying more for insurance may seem to be a needless expense but the odds of being affected by a natural disaster are not in your favor and they are getting worse. Balancing out your natural disaster protection may be less expensive than you think and an insurance professional will be able to help you find the optimum balance.
Frightening Research
A recent study by Durham University says that “"earthquakes are triggered by a tiny additional increment of stress added to a fault already loaded almost to breaking point.” Itgoes on to say that hydrological changes do not need to be either large or sudden to cause changes in the water pressure at geological fault zones. It concludes that "It is thus unsurprising that extreme rainfall events might also encourage earthquakes. A number of instances of this have been flagged by scientists."
California’s History of Natural Disasters
Once again the Governor has had to ask for federal help to combat the flood conditions. That will help the state to cope with the damage. However, such help is always post facto. Help cannot be requested for a disaster that is in the future such as the increased probability of earthquakes due to the flooding. Federal and state relief programs are meant to tide over the immediate aftermath of disasters. They are not insurance against them and do not help in rebuilding lives that have been affected by them. However, as a homeowner you can get the flood and earthquake insurance you need to protect your family and your future.
Studies show that the majority of Californians are under-insured when it comes to protection from natural disasters. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may look good on paper and the coverage may seem to be adequate to protect your home, but does it cover flood and earthquakes? A major flooding incident or a massive earthquake could not just damage your home, it could destroy it along with all its contents. Recovering from that kind of loss requires a huge amount of resources. It is not just a matter of rebuilding the house and replacing everything in it. You will need a roof over your head during the months or more that it could take to move back home. Your living expenses will increase during this time. Are you sure your homeowner’s coverage will compensate you for all of this? You cannot hope that you are covered – you must be sure. The best way to do that is by contacting an insurance broker to help you review your existing coverage and supplement it with flood and earthquake insurance to give your family the protection it needs. Paying more for insurance may seem to be a needless expense but the odds of being affected by a natural disaster are not in your favor and they are getting worse. Balancing out your natural disaster protection may be less expensive than you think and an insurance professional will be able to help you find the optimum balance.
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