Safety Center

Earthquake Safety Tips

How to prepare for an earthquake

  • Have a plan
  • Keep your devices charged
  • Know what to do if you are outside during an earthquake:
    • Move away from buildings, power lines and trees
    • If you are driving:
      • Find a safe place to stop, away from overpasses, wires and poles
      • Stay in your vehicle
      • Stay buckled
      • Turn on your hazard lights
      • Turn on the radio to stay up to date
  • Know what to do if you are inside during an earthquake:
    • Avoid exterior walls and windows
    • Avoid hanging objects and large appliances
    • Drop to the floor and cover your head

Review your homeowners policy to check what coverage is available for earthquake damage. An earthquake endorsement is available for NJM Homeowners, Condo, and Renters policies. Call 1-800-232-6600 for more information.

What to do after an earthquake

Stay Safe! Listen to authorities and stay up to date on the latest news.

Check your insurance policy to confirm if you have Earthquake Coverage. Many standard homeowners policies do not provide full coverage without an earthquake endorsement.

If you sustained damage to your property, take the following measures:

  • Report your claim online or by calling 1-800-367-6564
  • Take pictures and inventory of your damaged property
  • Make temporary emergency repairs only
    • Make temporary emergency repairs that mitigate the damage and make your home safe and livable
    • Do not make any cosmetic repairs before speaking with your adjuster
    • Save receipts for any mitigation expenses

NJM Insurance Group’s Commitment to Safety

NJM’s enduring commitment to safety can be traced back to our earliest days — with a focus that has expanded from improving conditions in manufacturing facilities to helping keep customers safe on the roads and at home. NJM is a leader in personal and commercial auto, homeowners, and workers’ compensation insurance.

References:

  1. National Safety Council. “If the Ground Starts to Shake, Will You Be Ready?,” https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/earthquake-preparedness.

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The information contained on this page should not be construed as legal, financial or insurance advice. The coverage afforded for a particular loss depends on the specific facts and the terms, exclusions, and limits of the actual policy. Nothing on this site alters the terms or conditions of any policy; the policy controls coverage. Coverage options, limits, discounts, deductibles, and other features are subject to underwriting criteria, state availability, and effective dates. Coverage provided and underwritten by NJM Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, 301 Sullivan Way, W. Trenton, NJ 08628.

Our Safety Center pages are filled with tips related to the safety and maintenance of your home and autos. The information contained in these articles should not be construed as professional advice, and is not intended to replace official sources. Other resources linked from these pages are maintained by independent providers; therefore, NJM cannot guarantee their accuracy.