5 Different Types of Earthquake Damage You Should Know About

The effects of earthquakes span far beyond the initial tremors, and understanding the types of earthquake damage is crucial for emergency preparedness.

Earthquakes, the restless juggernauts beneath our feet, possess the power to reshape landscapes and test the resilience of human-made structures. Subsequent damage happens in a slew of ways, lasting from weeks to years.

Today, we’re navigating through the labyrinth of earthquake destruction and shedding light on the types of damage that leave lasting imprints on communities.

Where do earthquakes happen?

Hundreds of earthquakes happen everywhere every day, although most are small and barely detectable by people. An earthquake can happen anywhere, but the vast majority occur where tectonic plates meet.

Earthquakes occur along faults, which are cracks between blocks of rock that move relative to one another. Faults are created by the bumping and sliding of plates and are more prevalent toward the edges of the plates. In the United States, California boasts the highest number of earthquakes in the country.

Direct and indirect earthquake damage

Earthquakes inflict a wide range of harm and cause loss in two ways: direct and indirect earthquake damage. The shaking itself causes direct damage to infrastructure, whereas indirect damage happens when items like falling debris cause harm.

A real-life example of direct damage is the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. The direct damage was devastating, leading to the collapse of numerous buildings and causing widespread destruction. On the other hand, the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan not only caused direct damage but also induced a tsunami that inflicted extensive indirect damage.

People are most at risk of being crushed by a falling structure, drowning in a flood generated by a broken dam or levee, being buried by a landslide, or becoming burnt in a fire. Here are five marks of earthquake home damage, both direct and indirect, you might experience:

1. Ground shaking

Most direct earthquake damage is caused by the shaking and ground movement happening beneath the earth’s surface. This movement can cause anything from breaches in walls and foundations to catastrophic building collapse. Even minor earthquakes can necessitate earthquake cleanup if they occur close to your property.

2. Total collapse

A total collapse is another common type of direct earthquake damage. This refers to the complete failure and destruction of a structure or building. This is the most devastating type of damage that can occur during an earthquake.

When the shaking from an earthquake is too severe for the home’s foundation to maintain, or when buildings are not designed adequately to resist the intensity of an earthquake, buildings might collapse. This concern emphasizes the importance of designing and constructing buildings to meet stringent seismic standards in earthquake-prone areas.

3. Cracks in walls or foundation

Cracks in your walls or foundation are some of the most evident symptoms of possible structural damage after an earthquake. Small hairline cracks are a cosmetic concern more than anything else; however, larger fractures, particularly those that are broader at the top than the bottom, indicate severe structural issues.

Large fissures jeopardize the building’s structural stability and should be inspected by an expert. This type of fracture indicates that one area of the structure is moving or settling faster than another, causing unequal pressure and stress on the building’s components.

4. Fire damage

Earthquakes can cause fires, leading to even more devastating destruction. Broken gas and electrical lines, as well as tipped-over wood or coal stoves, can ignite fires. Fires necessitate much of typical earthquake cleanup efforts.

Fires are a major issue, especially if the water pipes that supply the fire hydrants are also damaged. For example, the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 caused the city to burn for three days. Most of the city was destroyed, leaving 250,000 people homeless.

5. Sewage and waterline damage

Sewage and water lines are lesser-known victims of earthquake calamity. Visible leaks, discolored water, drop in water pressure, unusual sounds coming from the faucets, visible structural damage, or a spike in your water bill can indicate water damage. Avoid using the toilets and call an earthquake cleanup crew if you fear your sewage pipes are broken.

If you have a water system and the pipes are broken, call your water company and avoid using tap water. If you have a water well and believe that the well or pipelines have been damaged, do not use the water and instead contact a well business. Safe water can be obtained from undamaged water heaters or by melting ice cubes.

Inspecting your property after an earthquake

A meticulous inspection of your property is crucial after an earthquake to ensure safety and identify potential hazards. Here are the key aspects you should investigate:

Checking the outside of your home

Begin by inspecting the foundation, garage, and patio floors for cracks in previously concealed concrete. Examine the house’s exterior, particularly the siding or other forms of covering, for gaps or overlaps. Pay close attention to the locations where two distinct materials come together.

Check your roof for cracks and damaged shingles as well. The chimney, including the flashing, should be thoroughly examined for fractures or separation. Check the air conditioner’s condenser, pipes, and concrete pad to confirm that all is in working order.

Checking the inside of your home

Ensure that all your windows open and close easily. Examine the doors to all rooms, closets, and cabinets to confirm that they are appropriately oriented and open and close properly. Assess all the cupboards in the house to verify none have moved or become detached from the wall.

Thoroughly inspect the heating and cooling ductwork, especially where it enters the walls and at the joints. If the ductwork has been damaged in any way, the problem should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid losing too much heat or cold air. This can negatively impact your comfort and energy bills.

Before an earthquake

While earthquake home damage can be extensive, there are certain precautions you can take to safeguard your property. First and foremost, you should verify your home is correctly constructed and up to code. This implies it should be strong enough to resist the energy of an earthquake.

Evaluate your home annually to ensure there are no fractures or other issues that might cause it to collapse during an earthquake. Earthquake insurance is one option to protect yourself financially if you suffer from earthquake home damage.

Here are some other actions you can take before an earthquake happens to be adequately prepared:

• Stock your house with a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, battery-powered radio, flashlight, and additional batteries.
• Learn basic first aid.
• Discover how to shut off the gas, water, and electricity in your home.
• Decide where you will meet your family in the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster.
• Fix heavy furniture, cabinets, and appliances to the walls or the floor.
• Learn the earthquake preparedness plan at your school or workplace.

Remember, preparing beforehand won’t eliminate all damage that can happen, but it will safeguard you against major problems.

During an earthquake

That first shake can trigger your instinctual flight or fight response. Here are some steps to remember and prioritize during an earthquake:

• Keep your cool and stay put! Stay indoors if you’re inside, and stay outdoors if you’re outside.
• Stand against a wall toward the center of the structure, in a doorway, or crawl beneath heavy furniture (a desk or table) if you’re indoors. Keep away from windows and exterior doors.
• If you’re outside, stay out in the open, away from power wires and anything else that might collapse.
• Use no matches, candles, or any other type of flame until your home is clear of potential gas leaks.
• If you’re in a car, pull over and stay inside until the earthquake passes.
• Avoid using elevators.

After an earthquake

Potential hazards don’t end when the shaking stops — lingering dangers emphasize the need for continued vigilance in the aftermath of an earthquake. Here are some steps to follow to make sure you stay safe:

• Check yourself and others for any injuries. Administer first aid to everyone who requires it.
• Examine the water, gas, and electric lines for any leaks or fractures. Turn off the valves if any are damaged. Look for the odor of gas.
• Stay away from collapsed structures.
• Be cautious of shattered glass and dirt. Wear boots or durable shoes to protect your feet.
• Avoid going to the beach. Tsunamis can occur after the ground has stopped trembling.
• If you’re at school or work, follow the designated emergency plan.
• Beware of aftershocks.

Do I need earthquake insurance?

While earthquake insurance is not required, it’s a sensible investment, depending on where you live. Although they can happen anywhere, some locations are more earthquake-prone. Some insurance companies don’t offer earthquake coverage, so shop around for the best plan to suit your needs.

Call Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters

Dealing with earthquake damage can be daunting. If you’ve ever had to submit an insurance claim, you know how time-consuming and inconvenient the process can be. That’s where Hudson Douglas Public Adjuster comes in.

With over five decades of expertise in catastrophe building and repair, our founders recognize the importance of property owners having experienced representation to assist them in paying their insurance claims swiftly and fairly.

We service insurance holders in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Contact Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters today to find out more about how our dependable team members can assist you.