Northern Nevada Earthquakes: Are You Covered?

Nothing shakes up your holiday spirit like the unexpected rumbles of an earthquake! Earlier this month a 5.8 magnitude earthquake near Yerington shook the Reno-Sparks area, serving as a reminder of Nevada’s seismic activity. Did you know Nevada is the U.S.'s third most seismically active state? In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of earthquake preparedness and the role of earthquake insurance in safeguarding your home and family in Northern Nevada.

Earthquake Risks in Northern Nevada

Northern Nevada is located in a seismically active zone, with many fault lines posing potential risks. While major earthquakes might not occur frequently, smaller tremors are relatively common. Earthquakes are a common occurrence in the Truckee Meadows. Luckily, most are small enough that we barely notice them. Others are large, and we can feel that rock and roll. 

Helpful Resources on Earthquakes in Northern Nevada

The Nevada Seismological Laboratory, part of the College of Science at the University of Nevada, Reno, serves as a vital research entity. With a primary focus on seismic activity in the Nevada region, the laboratory oversees comprehensive studies utilizing instrumentation. It manages a widespread network of seismographic stations across the state, delving into various aspects such as earthquake magnitudes, frequencies, and distribution patterns. Additionally, the laboratory addresses issues about seismic risk, contributing significantly to understanding and mitigating earthquake-related hazards in Nevada. On their website, you will find many helpful resources on living with earthquakes in Nevada and you can sign up for alerts. 

Earthquake Preparedness Tips:

• Create a Family Emergency Plan: Develop a plan that outlines what to do during an earthquake, including evacuation routes, meeting points, and communication strategies.
• Secure Your Home: Anchor heavy furniture, secure appliances, and consider installing safety latches on cabinets to prevent items from falling during an earthquake.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries to sustain your family for at least 72 hours.
• Know How to Shut Off Utilities: Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity in your home to prevent fires and further damage after an earthquake.
• Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Teach household members the safest way to protect themselves during an earthquake by dropping to the ground, taking cover under sturdy furniture, and holding on until the shaking stops.

Earthquake Insurance

While standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover damage from fire, theft, and other disasters, they often exclude coverage for earthquakes. I invite you to check out my podcast with Jane Mortimore from Allstate Insurance where we discussed  several advanced insurance topics including how earthquake insurance can provide peace of mind for homeowners:  

Purchasing earthquake insurance is essential for homeowners in Northern Nevada to protect their investment and ensure financial security in the event of a seismic event. Here are some key points to consider:

• Coverage for Structural Damage: Earthquake insurance can help cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home if it sustains structural damage due to seismic activity.
• Protection for Personal Belongings: In addition to structural coverage, earthquake insurance may also provide reimbursement for damaged personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and valuables.
• Temporary Living Expenses: If your home becomes uninhabitable due to earthquake damage, earthquake insurance can help cover the cost of temporary accommodations while repairs are underway.
• Peace of Mind: By investing in earthquake insurance, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that they are financially protected against the unpredictable nature of seismic events.

You can learn more about earthquakes on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website. The Nevada Division of Insurance offers helpful resources and details on purchasing earthquake insurance on thier website.

Stay informed: Know the earthquake risks in our area and how to respond.

In Northern Nevada, earthquake preparedness and insurance go hand in hand to mitigate risks and ensure the safety and security of your home and family. By taking proactive measures to prepare for earthquakes and investing in earthquake insurance, homeowners can better protect themselves against the potential devastation of seismic activity. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe.

About Our Team

The Angst Real Estate Team is the top real estate authority in Northern Nevada and is always available to answer your real estate questions. Send us an email or call/text at (775) 525-0309 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Like and subscribe to our YouTube Channel. The Angst Real Estate Team is the top real estate authority in Northern Nevada. Our channel is the place to go when you're looking for information about our dynamic and diverse Reno/Sparks Real Estate Market. We frequent video podcasts about important topics that matter to our Reno/Sparks Real Estate Tribe. Let's embark on this real estate journey together!

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