Include Los Angeles Electricians in Your Earthquake Preparedness

Earthquake preparedness tips include steps to minimize personal injury,
property damage, and create a 72-hour emergency care kit

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Californians are set to participate in
the largest earthquake drill in State history on Thursday, October, 15, 2009
at 10 a.m. Millions are expected to join in the exercise, and Mercury
Insurance is reminding its customers to check for hazards around their homes
and create an emergency supply kit that would provide basic essentials for up
to 72 hours.


"The Great California Shake-out will be an important reminder to Californians
that earthquakes can strike suddenly and violently without warning," said
Joanna Moore, chief claims officer for Mercury Insurance. "We are encouraging
everyone to participate in earthquake preparedness by making plans that may
reduce property damage, personal injury, and provide short-term emergency care
for their families, loved ones and pets."


Mercury is offering two sets of suggested tips that can be implemented before
and after a quake occurs. Additional tips are available on the Statewide
Shake-Out website: www.shakeout.org.


Mercury's Claims Hotline can be reached by calling (800) 503-3724, and its
claims team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


BEFORE THE QUAKE


Check for hazards around the home to help reduce risk of personal injury and
property damage.
-- Garage: Strap your water heater to the wall. It could cause a fire if
it
falls during a quake. Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable
products in lower, childproof cabinets. Know how to open your garage
door manually.
-- Kitchen: Prevent injuries and damage from falling plates, kitchenware
and canned goods by installing childproof locks on upper cabinets.
Move
heavy, breakable items to lower cabinets. Keep a fully charged fire
extinguisher on hand.
-- Dining room: Secure china, vases and decorative items to shelving with
floral clay or museum wax. Install childproof locks on cabinet doors.
Secure tall cupboards and furniture to the wall.
-- Living room: Secure large paintings, bookshelves, wall units and
entertainment centers to the walls. Put heavier items, such as TVs, on
lower shelves and secure them with straps.
-- Bedroom: Move your beds away from windows and sliding glass doors.
Don't
hang pictures or heavy objects above the headboard. Securely bolt
ceiling fans. If a quake hits while you're in bed, stay there and
shield
yourself with blankets and pillows.
-- Bathrooms: Store flammable objects, such as nail polish, on lower
shelves. After a quake, if your house is damaged, fill bathtubs and
sinks with water for emergencies.
-- Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These
are
potential risks.

-- Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice
if
there are signs of structural defects.