Lake Tahoe Business Insurance: Office Earthquake Preparedness

Most Lake Tahoe residents know to prepare their home for a potential earthquake, but do you have your office prepared as well? While the right type of business insurance coverage will protect you against financial loss due to a natural disaster, it is very important that you and your employees are kept as safe as possible in addition. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided an extensive list of steps you can take to protect yourself, your staff, and your property in the event of an earthquake.

• Build an emergency kit and have an evacuation plan in place.
• Fasten shelves and cabinets securely to walls.
• Place large or heavy object on lower shelves.
• Store breakable items, flammable liquids, and sharp items in closed cabinets with latches.
• Fasten heavy items such as pictures and mirrors securely away from office desks or lobby chairs.
• Brace overhead light fixtures and top-heavy items
• Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections as these are potential fire risks.
• Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks.
• Secure any break-room appliances or store appliances by strapping them to the wall studs and bolting to the floor.
• Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations.
• Hold earthquake drills with your staff, and make sure they know how to locate safe spots to drop under in case an earthquake hits.

Some additional tips are to store emergency food and water in your earthquake kit, typically a 3-day supply, and invest in emergency lights, radios, and first aid kits. Earthquakes have the potential to knock out power and cause injuries, no matter how careful individuals are. Having more supplies than you may need is better than not having a plan in place for your staff.

Often referred to as a Difference In Conditions (DIC) policy, Lake Tahoe commercial earthquake insurance can be a business saver after a trembler strikes. Cal-Nevada Insurance Agency offers Lake Tahoe business earthquake insurance for tenants and commercial property owners that covers building structures, business personal property, business income loss, damage from sprinkler leakage due to the quake, improvements upon rebuilding so your property meets ordinance and law requirements, and possibly other needs. Contact us today for more information about our Lake Tahoe Business Insurance programs. (866) 670-5948