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HOME 14 BCA A .COM FALL 2018 iStock Create a family disaster plan An emergency plan gives your family clear direction in a stressful situation: EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE 101 The financial burden of replacing personal belongings and repairing damages – or rebuilding completely – after an earthquake could set you back dramatically. That's why you should consider earthquake insurance. It protects against many types of direct damage caused by shaking, as well as damages occurring in the aftermath, such as from burst pipes (although damage from tsunamis isn't covered). It also covers additional living expenses; for example, if you need to leave your home due to damage or during repairs. What about condos? Strata councils often have earthquake insurance, but they may pass the (pricey) deductibles along to individual condo owners. Strata policies also typically don't cover the cost of replacing lost possessions, or the living expenses of condo owners who need to relocate while repairs occur. So owners need their own earthquake policies to cover these costs. The cost of earthquake insurance depends on where you live, your type of property and the total value of the possessions you're insuring. Contact a BCAA Insurance provider to learn more. MEMBERS SAVE BCAA Members save on F.A.S.T. emergency kits. bcaa.com/fast TIP! Drop, cover and hold on! Join BCAA in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill October 18 at 10:18 a.m. shakeoutbc.ca Pack an emergency kit containing essentials such as flashlights, maps and water, and store it in an accessible location. • Make a list of family and emergency phone numbers including at least one out-of- area contact, in case nearby regions are affected or local lines overwhelmed. • Choose a meeting spot away from home such as a neighbour's house, library or community centre. • Compile a list of emergency information sources such as local media and government websites and social media channels (@EmergencyInfoBC; emergencyinfoBC.gov.bc.ca). • Make sure you know how to switch off the utilities. Depending on the damage, you may need to shut off the main electrical breaker, water valve or gas valve. • Store enough food, water and medication to last three to seven days. You need about four litres of water per person, per day (although children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more, and you may need to double allotments in hot weather). Pets need about 30 mL per kg of body weight per day. • Keep a pair of shoes and a flashlight under the bed to help with navigating in the dark, potentially on broken glass. • Create grab-and-go bags, and store them near an exit. Include non-perishable food, water, flashlights, a radio, medications, seasonal clothing, blankets, pens, paper, a phone charger, a first aid kit, cash in small bills, a local map, a whistle and important documents. ■

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