Feature News

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.
  

Identify safe places

• Under sturdy furniture, such as a heavy desk.
• Against an inside wall.
• Away from where glass could shatter around mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases, or other heavy furniture could fall over.
• In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses or elevated expressways.
  

Educate yourself and family members

• Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information about earthquakes.
• Teach children how and when to call 911, police or fire departments, and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
• Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.
  

Create an emergency kit with supplies for at least 72 hours

• Flashlight (and spare bulb). Do not use matches or candles until you are certain there are no gas leaks.
• Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
• First-Aid kit, manual and fire extinguisher.
• Emergency food (store a one-week supply of food per person).
• Water (between 2 quarts and 1 gallon per day per person).
• Important Documents (store in a waterproof box).
  • Drivers License or other personal identification
  • Insurance policies
  • Employment information and copies of pay stubs for the past two months
  • Bank, savings and retirement account numbers
  • Mortgage papers (copy)
  • Recent tax returns
  • Home inventory (copy with photos of expensive items)
  • List of important phone numbers and addresses
• Pets - include food and water (1 gallon per day and food for 1 week) for your animals, which may not be allowed to stay at an emergency shelter.
• Non-electric can opener.
• Essential medication and glasses.
• Cash and credit cards.
• Sturdy shoes.
• Alternate cooking source - barbecue or camp stove.
• Sanitation supplies - large plastic bags for trash, waste and water protection. Also prepare personal hygiene kits.
• Tools - heavy gloves for clearing debris. Crescent or pipe wrench to turn off gas and water if necessary. Other tools should include an ax, crowbar, shovel, broom, screwdriver, pliers, hammer, knife or razor blades.
  

Develop an emergency communication plan

• In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake, develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
• Ask for an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact," and give the information to all family members. After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.
  

"If an earthquake were to occur, Mercury's claims team would be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Moore. "Our representatives would be standing by to take phone calls from earthquake victims and help customers file and expedite covered claims. Our goal is to help our customers get back to normal as quickly as possible."

AFTER THE QUAKE

• Injuries: Check for injuries and apply any needed First-Aid. Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger.
• Utilities: Check for gas and water leaks and broken electrical wiring or sewage lines. If there is any damage, turn utility off at the source.
• Damage: Check building for cracks and damage, including the roof, chimneys and foundation.
• Water: Check water supplies. Emergency water may be obtained from water heaters, melted ice cubes, toilet tanks and canned vegetables. Fill bathtubs with water.
• Radio: Turn on your portable radio for instructions and news reports.
• Windows: Tape any broken windows to prevent glass shards from flying during aftershocks.
• Vehicles: Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency. Keep streets clear for emergency vehicles.
• Aftershocks: Be prepared for strong aftershocks.
• Messages: If you evacuate, leave a note telling family members where you are.
  

About Mercury Insurance Group

Founded in 1962, Mercury Insurance Group (MCY) is a multiple-line insurance organization offering predominantly personal automobile and homeowners insurance through a network of independent agents and brokers in California, Florida, New Jersey, Texas, Arizona, New York, Georgia, Oklahoma, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

    Contacts:  Coby King
               MWW Group
               (213) 486-6560, ext. 319

               Melissa Spraul
               MWW Group
               (213) 486-6560, ext. 313

               Erik Thompson
               Mercury Insurance Group
               (661) 291-6435