Earthquake Preparedness in California: Staying Ready in Shake Territory

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Californians know all too well that they live in one of the world’s most seismically active regions. With the San Andreas Fault, among others, slicing through large parts of the state, earthquakes are a natural, albeit unsettling, part of life. Preparing for these inevitable events is essential for personal safety and property protection. In this blog, we’ll outline steps to enhance your earthquake preparedness in the Golden State.

Understanding the Risk

The first step in preparedness is understanding. Recognize that in California, no place is entirely immune to earthquakes. Some regions may experience them more frequently or with greater intensity, but the risk is statewide.

Building an Earthquake-Ready Home:

  1. Secure Heavy Items: Anchor bookcases, refrigerators, and other tall or heavy furniture to walls to prevent them from toppling.
  2. Flexible Fittings: Use flexible connections where gas lines meet appliances. This flexibility can reduce the risk of a gas leak.
  3. Safe Spacing: Avoid placing heavy objects on high shelves and keep breakables in closed cabinets with latches.
  4. Inspect Your Home: Regularly check the foundation, roof, and walls for cracks or weaknesses. If you identify any structural issues, consult a professional.

Preparing an Emergency Kit:

Ensure you have an emergency kit specifically tailored for earthquakes, containing:

  • Water (a gallon per person per day for at least three days)
  • Non-perishable food
  • A flashlight with extra batteries
  • A first aid kit
  • Essential medications
  • A multi-tool or Swiss army knife
  • Copies of personal identification and important documents
  • Cash in small denominations (ATMs might be out of service)
  • A whistle to signal for help
  • Sturdy gloves to protect your hands while moving debris

Safety First During an Earthquake:

  1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.
  2. Stay Indoors: If you’re inside, stay there. Many injuries occur when people enter or exit buildings.
  3. Stay Away from Windows: Glass can shatter and cause injuries.
  4. If Driving: Pull over to a safe spot, away from overpasses, bridges, power lines, and trees. Remain in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

Post-Earthquake Measures:

  1. Check for Injuries: Before you do anything, ensure you and your loved ones are okay. Provide first aid as necessary.
  2. Expect Aftershocks: These smaller tremors can follow the main quake. Be ready for them.
  3. Inspect Your Home: Check for gas leaks, damaged electrical wires, and structural damage. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the main gas supply and evacuate.
  4. Listen to the Radio: Battery-operated or hand-crank radios can provide emergency updates when the power is out.
  5. Communicate: Have an emergency communication plan with family members. Texting may work even if voice calls don’t.
  6. Evacuate if Necessary: If your home is unsafe, get everyone out. Use your emergency supplies or go to a designated public shelter.

Living in California comes with its unique set of challenges, especially when it concerns natural disasters like earthquakes. However, with the right level of preparation and awareness, you can greatly increase your chances of weathering the next big quake with minimal harm. Remember, preparedness is not just a one-time task but a continuous process of learning and adapting. Stay safe, and stay prepared!

Home Security Tools for Seniors Living Alone

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As we get older, our home security concerns change. What works for families or young people may not meet the unique needs of seniors who live alone. And, just over one in four adults over the age of 65 lives alone. Concerns about seniors’ health, memory, and physical safety can create anxiety for loved ones and caregivers. But there are several strategies that can help seniors maintain both their safety and their independence. Read on for some of the best home security tools for seniors.

Medical Alert Devices

Every 11 seconds, an older adult suffers a fall serious enough to send them to the emergency room. If a senior is injured in a fall in their home, they may not have the ability to get up and call for help. Boyd & Associates Medical Alert can help. It is a safety and medical alert system that allows an individual to signal for help from a wireless alarm pendant.

These systems immediately alert an emergency operator who will dispatch the appropriate help. In the event of an emergency, the local 911 Emergency Response Team will be dispatched. Otherwise, a family member, neighbor, friend, or caregiver can be notified for assistance.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is the most common kind of poisoning worldwide and is the leading cause of accidental deaths in the U.S. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas found in the exhaust of generators, stoves, furnaces, cars, or anything that burns fuel and most victims have no idea they’re being poisoned.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 500 people die from unintentional exposure in the U.S. every year. Another 8,000-15,000 people are examined or treated in hospitals.

Most of carbon monoxide injuries and deaths are entirely preventable. That is why carbon monoxide detectors are crucial to have in your home, especially seniors who are living on their own.

Monitored Fire and Burglar Alarms

According to the Bureau of Justice, 59 percent of violent crimes against seniors happen at or near their homes and they are more likely to be victims of property crimes. A monitored home security system can offer seniors living alone an added layer of protection in the event of a burglary or fire by alerting an alarm monitoring center. An alarm monitoring agent will contact emergency responders quickly, saving precious minutes.

Most home security systems offer a feature that allows you to remotely control your home security system. This feature is accessible through an app by using your smart phone or tablet. This is a great feature for those who want to check the status of their senior family member’s system and receive alerts when an alarm or event triggers.

Video Doorbell

With smart video doorbells, seniors can answer their front door remotely via a tablet or smartphone to ensure visitors don’t know they are home alone. Family members of seniors can also use this feature to ensure the safety of their loved one.

Environmental Monitoring

It’s a scenario that can be more frightening and dismaying for an elderly individual than anyone else: a pipe burst, or a water heater leaks, causing damaging flooding that can go on for hours while they are away or asleep.

Environmental monitoring can alert seniors of the problem right away no matter where they are. The longer a leak goes unfixed, the more likely structural damage will occur. By getting the news right away, seniors and their families can avoid expensive and inconvenient repairs.

Home Automation Tools

A senior’s financial security is as important as their physical safety. With home automation tools, you can save time, money and energy by setting scenes and schedules, turn lights on or off, or control the thermostat.

Ask an Expert

Modern security technology means that it’s easier than ever for seniors to enjoy security and independence in their homes. If you’d like to learn more about the kinds of security planning, processes, and technology available for every budget, give us a call today to request a free quote.

FREE Video Doorbell When You Switch from Spectrum to Boyd and Associates Security!

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Spectrum, a cable company that provides home security services for customers, has announced its home security service will be discontinued on February 5th, 2020. Although this won’t affect Internet, television, and telephone services, anyone using Spectrum security equipment and services must switch to another provider. Boyd & Associates is a trusted home security business that provides total home security solutions.

Switch Your Service Now

Boyd & Associates is urging people to set up an appointment before Spectrum’s service ends on February 5th. The company is offering a free video doorbell to any customer that switches from Spectrum—this offer ends by 2/29/20.

How Our Service Compares

With Spectrum’s security system, users can remotely view live video feeds from home security cameras, lock and unlock doors remotely, and much more. The company’s system conveniently uses the customer’s Internet access, cable connection, and wireless router. Spectrum has offered these services since its parent company, Charter Communications Inc., acquired Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks in May 2016.

Boyd & Associates offers a complete home security solution that includes a 21st century burglar alarm system, fire and carbon monoxide alarms, and 24/7 alarm monitoring. Our UL Listed monitoring station will respond even if you’re not home, and also if the power goes out. Each security device we use has a built-in cellular connection and backup battery, so your home is always protected.

Like Spectrum’s security service, our advanced controls let you manage thermostats, locks, and lights. We offer a fully functional, full-color touchscreen, while you can access your security system from a mobile device as well. Advanced HD security cameras are also available. They automatically record live video when triggered, so you can watch 20-second video clips and receive alerts and notifications wherever you are.

How Do I Make the Switch?

Switching from Spectrum to Boyd & Associates is easy. Plus, Boyd & Associates has been serving homeowners since 1967, so you can rely on us to continue providing the protection and service you need. We offer many ways to connect your alarm system. If you’re used to having your security systems linked to your Internet and cellular connection, we can provide the same convenient connectivity.

Act now and we’ll provide all the home security equipment you need. You can also receive help with installation, repairs, and updates from our dedicated support team. Our customer care department is extremely attentive and can address all your questions and concerns.

Don’t Wait to Set Up Your Security

If your security company is leaving you unprotected, switch to Boyd & Associates now. We’ll even throw in a free video doorbell if you sign up by 2/29/20. But don’t wait too long… Spectrum is ending its security service on February 5th!

Request a free quote online or call us at 800-381-2693 now!