The Homeowner's Guide to Earthquake Safety & Environmental Hazards

According to the California Environmental protection Agency’s”Environmental Hazards, A Guide for Homeowners and Buyers,” home sellers are expected to disclose any information to buyers regarding any environmental hazards located on the home. Environmental hazards may include mold, mildew, asbestos or lead to list a few. It’s also crucial for the homeowner to understand whether any such materials exist in the home, because homes may shift during earthquakes that may cause hazardous substances in the base or construction to be released.

Flu Risks

Both pollution and natural disasters have been deemed environmental hazards. Earthquakes are regarded as one of the largest threats to homes in places such as San Francisco that are made on top of fault lines. Not only are they earthquakes exceedingly destructive, but they also release toxic substances in the air and cause fires. In fact, the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 burned much of the city into the ground. Because fires are such a concern, it is important for the homeowner to properly prepare in the event that a fire can begin in the home.

Earthquakes

Appropriate preparation, according to the Federal Emergency Management Association, should begin with the homeowner fixing any electrical wiring, inflexible utility repairs or leaking pipes. Wiring and utility lines pose a hazard and must be fixed with great caution or with a hired professional. You should avoid taking on a large project that introduces health concerns or could be harmful. Gas lines must have an automatic shut-off valve to prevent gas from leaking and causing a fire following an earthquake. Following an earthquake, you have to refrain from lighting a match or starting a fire if the lights have gone out.

Earthquake

During an earthquake, you should have a preplanned place inside the home to endure for refuge. This may include beneath a doorway, bed or desk. For outside safely fixes, stay outside away from any electrical lines. You should wait until entering a building or home, because they may be aftershocks or damaged homes may be discharging hazardous substances.

Hazardous Materials

Asbestos is a frequent insulation material that was used up until the late 1980s for vinyl floors, roofs, roofs and pipes. Numerous homes still have asbestos in their own structure. Exposure to asbestos can lead to a multitude of health concerns. When a home has been shaken by an earthquake, asbestos contaminants can become released and pose a a major health concern for you. Hazardous substances are generally used everyday. Household cleaners, fertilizers and oil for the lawn mower are common things used in the home. However, following a disaster such as an earthquake, these substances could spill and emit gasses. It’s very important to protect your mouth and depart your home after an earthquake. Await assistance from the local authorities before entering your home.

Earthquake Security Planning

Hold earthquake safety drills at your home with family members. Have specific places chosen out inside the home for security during an earthquake. Pick a designated place outside of the home for all family members to meet then. Because many pet owners worry about their creatures visiting the home after an earthquake, so it is very important to receive your pets a microchip so that they may be found following an earthquake.

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