Once more, we are reminded about the awful result and cost of human life, livelihoods and resources that are a result of an earthquake. This time in Haiti on January 12th.
Add to those tears the heartbreak of crumbling public and holy structure full of memories, faith and art. Unfortunately, though, the country will not likely be on a fast track for repair. It's too rural, not magnificent enough, not published in all the art books, not world preeminent sufficient -- and there is a lot of damage to deal with during trying economic times.
Earthquake & Tsunami In Japan
Of course, the center of damage is now rubble. But, there are many, many homes in the area that were only badly rattled. That's the case, also, in a hurricane, tornado or even a bad storm; a focused area gets the brunt of the impact and the vast outlying areas just get shook up. So, actually, there are huge numbers of habitancy that were not physically at risk, but they may have lost and had damaged many cherished family treasures.
Disaster preparedness for your personal items includes knowing how to safe your genealogy, heirlooms, photographs, letters, old books, art work and leading documents. Set priorities and protect, first, your most leading items. Here are 7 tips to help you be great prepared:
1. Use an anchor wax to acquire items that can fly off shelves and rattle colse to in display cases. (Home Depot) This is a Very good tip!
2. Also, put a couple of nickel sized balls of anchor wax behind the frame of a framed item on the wall to keep it from swinging and popping off the wall when things shake. Broken glass from framed items crashed to the floor will be extremely hazardous.
3. Keep photos in archival photo albums that are easy to grab and go. Keep them in a book case or storage box that is easy to get to.
4. Keep storage boxes away from water pipes (water heaters too) that could break and flood on your treasured items (causing water and mold damage).
5. Make sure hanging hooks And wires are strong, oversized and well anchored into the wood. I can't tell you how many paintings and frames I've repaired that fall off the wall onto a projection of a table or through a vase. Or what about that heavy item hanging over your head in bed!!??
6. Photograph treasured keepsakes and copy docs; keep a copy in someone else location (another city or state!)
7. You may need supplemental guarnatee for earthquakes. Make sure your homeowner's course covers your contents. Heirlooms should not wish a Fine Arts rider but should fall under your quarterly home owner's policy. You will still need photos and values for a claim.
Earthquake in Haiti - A Disaster Preparedness chapter - 7 Tips to Help You
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