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Earthquake risk

Earthquake Resource Center

If your organisation is affected by an earthquake, we can help you manage business interruptions, prepare insurance claims, and support employees.
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Earthquakes can put people's lives at risk and cause significant damage to homes, properties, and businesses. The unpredictable nature of these disasters, coupled with the potential for aftershocks, landslides, and tsunamis, makes recovery and relief efforts even more challenging.

To minimise the impact of earthquakes, it is crucial to take proactive measures. This includes having a well-practiced resilience and crisis management plan in place, as well as insurance coverage for emergency repairs, building upgrades, and other restoration efforts.

Here you will find information, guidance, and insights about how you can prepare, respond, recover, and remain resilient in the event of an earthquake. By taking these steps before and after an earthquake, you can help protect yourself and others from harm, and ensure that your recovery and reconstruction are as effective as possible.

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Although it is impossible to predict precisely where and when an earthquake will occur, putting clear, actionable plans in place before an earthquake occurs can help reduce damage to people and property — and enable your business to respond and recover as quickly as possible. These proactive measures can help you ensure the safety of your workforce, mitigate the extent of the damage, and limit business interruption losses.

Resource: Download our checklist on preparing for an earthquake.

Companies should approach the return to work with safety procedures in place and with a view towards reporting their claims. Some examples of a safety-first mindset include:

  • Accounting for all employees
  • Identifying immediate hazards and notifying authorities if necessary
  • Using technology such as drones to access damaged areas first
  • Confirming that affected areas have been restored and are safe to be re-entered

As part of recovery efforts, the business should be prepared to file a claim. They should have a plan in place, with key stakeholders aware of their responsibilities. Companies can help this process by:

  • Knowing the claims process
  • Checking critical policy conditions
  • Keeping clear lines of communication open
  • Documenting everything

Resource: Download our checklist on how to get back to work safely and manage claims after an earthquake

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