The number one reason for retrofitting your home is to make sure you have somewhere to live after the earthquake.
A properly retrofitted house will remain habitable for you and your family. All the food and water you have in your home at the time of the earthquake will still be available to you afterwards.
You will be protecting your largest single investment.
Personal injuries to you and your family should be minimal if your home does not fall off its foundation. .
Retrofitting is far cheaper and offers much more protection than earthquake insurance. Earthquake insurance usually has a 20% deductible, which can only be collected in the event of catastrophic damage. Avoiding the disaster makes much more sense than cleaning up the disaster with insurance.
You will be able to protect your home from looting. It is expected that a great deal of looting will occur after the earthquake and you will be able to remain in your home to protect it.
You will be able to provide your neighbors a place to stay, possibly out of the rain and cold. Your home can also become an operational base for your neighborhood disaster group. |