Earthquake in Haiti - A Disaster Preparedness Lesson - 7 Tips to Help You

Once more, we are reminded about the awful(Home Depot) This is a VERY good tip!
effect and cost of human life, livelihoods and2. Also, put a couple of nickel sized balls of anchor
resources that are a result of an earthquake. Thiswax behind the frame of a framed item on the
time in Haiti on January 12th.wall to keep it from swinging and popping off the
Add to those tears the heartbreak of crumblingwall when things shake. Broken glass from framed
public and holy buildings full of memories, faith anditems crashed to the floor will be highly hazardous.
art. Unfortunately, though, the country will not3. Keep photos in archival photo albums that are
likely be on a fast track for repair. It's too rural,easy to grab and go. Keep them in a book case
not magnificent enough, not published in all the artor storage box that is easy to get to.
books, not world famous enough -- and there is a4. Keep storage boxes away from water pipes
lot of damage to deal with during trying economic(water heaters too) that could break and flood on
times.your treasured items (causing water and mold
Of course, the center of damage is now rubble.damage).
But, there are many, many homes in the area5. Make sure hanging hooks AND wires are
that were only badly rattled. That's the case, also,strong, oversized and well anchored into the
in a hurricane, tornado or even a bad storm; awood. I can't tell you how many paintings and
focused area gets the brunt of the impact andframes I've repaired that fall off the wall onto a
the vast outlying areas just get shook up. So,corner of a table or through a vase. Or what
actually, there are huge numbers of people thatabout that heavy item hanging over your head in
were not physically at risk, but they may havebed!!??
lost and had damaged many cherished family6. Photograph treasured keepsakes and copy
treasures.docs; keep a copy in another location (another
Disaster preparedness for your personal itemscity or state!)
includes knowing how to protect your genealogy,7. You may need supplemental insurance for
heirlooms, photographs, letters, old books, artearthquakes. Make sure your homeowner's policy
work and important documents. Set priorities andcovers your contents. Heirlooms should not
protect, first, your most important items. Hererequire a Fine Arts rider but should fall under your
are 7 tips to help you be better prepared:regular home owner's policy. You will still need
1. Use an anchor wax to secure items that canphotos and values for a claim.
fly off shelves and rattle around in display cases.